TNAG-1379-FCO40-1827-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 197

DOING TOO LITTLE?

CONFIDENTIAL

NON-CHINESE BDTCS TO BE GIVEN RIGHT OF ABODE IN UK?

25.

Not appropriate to distinguish between different groups of Hong Kong BDTCs. Agreement provides in effect for all person who have made their home in Hong Kong to retain their right of abode there.

This of course includes non-Chinese BDTCs.

ACCEPT HONG KONG BDTCS FOR RESETTLEMENT IN UK IF THEY WANT?

26. I t would be wrong to single out Hong Kong BDTCs for special treatment. Our aim in negotiating agreement has been to create a secure future for Hong Kong and an environment in which Hong Kong people can continue to live and work with confidence. I believe

that we have achieved this.

HMG SHOULD GRANT RIGHT OF ABODE TO THOSE WITH BRITISH HONOURS

27.

Appreciate intention of proposal.

Would be divisive in Hong

Kong to single out those with honours as a group for favourable treatment. In certain very limited cases rights of admission will exist at the discretion of the Home Secretary, but this will be on a

very limited basis for people who have been exposed to special

factors and considerations.

OBLIGATION UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW TO GRANT RIGHT OF ABODE TO FORMER

BDTCS IF WITHDRAWN BY CHINESE GOVERNMENT

28.

[To

be

provided

by

the

Home

Office.]

CONFIDENTIAL