TNAG-1469-FCO40-1998-Visits-by-members-of-the-Office-of-the-Unofficial-Members-of-1986 — Page 40

5. REFUGEES

CONFIDENTIAL

Fully understand Hong Kong's problem in this area. Doing all we can. (Look forward to discussing the problem in detail when I visit later on this

month).

6. SECTION 4(5) APPLICATIONS (FROM CROWN SERVANTS)

Understand successful applicants have now had their letters of approval. Will issue certificates of registration as soon as possible once formalities completed. As we said during passage of the BNA 1981, this provision intended to be used very sparingly. Few other applications therefore likely to succeed, other than those from former World War 2 servicemen to meet undertaking given

in Parliament.

7. SIR MICHAEL SANDBERG: WEALTHY CHINESE BUSINESSMEN

[Only if raised by Sir Michael Sandberg]

We are prepared to be flexible, but are bound by the law. We must be satisfied that people concerned have genuinely thrown in their lot with this country. Substantial degree of residence here during qualifying period therefore expected Accept that other countries' rules may be more flexible towards persons who wish to invest money. But here bound by statute and must act consistently

with that.

8.

THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

CLOSED UNDER FOI EXEMPTION NO.... 401

40(3)

9.

SPANIBENTIAL