UNCLASSIFIED
VIEWS EXPRESSED DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE HONG KONG
BILL IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS, 14 MARCH 1985
LORD AVEBURY
(a)
Hong Kong Indian community want to continue lives and
businesses in Hong Kong, but should be given same safety net
as East African Asians in case things did not work out.
(b) If China intended to allow Hong Kong Indians Chinese
citizenship, this could easily have been included in the
agreement. Omission implies Chinese would prefer them not to
be Chinese nationals.
(c) Not true that separate provisions for ethnic Indians would
be racially divisive, as those Indians with Indian nationality
would not be covered by such provisions.
(d)
Without safety net, likely that some of business community
will seek citizenship and settlement in other countries.
(e)
Non-transmissibility of BOC status is matter of some
anxiety to Hong Kong Indians.
LORD CLEDWYN OF PENRHOS
(a) Lady Young's assurance on citizenship for grandchildren of former BDTCS will improve climate of confidence in Hong Kong.
(b) Statement in BN(O) passports that holder has permanent identity card and therefore right of abode in Hong Kong is very
important.
(c) Will expatriate officers in Hong Kong Civil Service be on
same footing as other officers recruited by HMG for service
Overseas?
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.