TNAG-1482-FCO40-2036-Economic-and-commercial-value-of-Hong-Kong-to-the-UK-1986 — Page 20

CONFIDENTIAL

expect

sensitivities

to

increase

1

that eople will be alert for indications

as we enter the 1990s.

we are ditching

Hong Kong.

Passports

7.

Home Secretary extremely reluctant to undermine our

nationality policy by granting British citizenship in return

for investment here. Would contravene assurances given to Parliament when BNA 1981 was passed if Home Secretary's discretion were used in this way. Issue re-examined earlier

this year at highest level and re-affirmed.

8.

Governor of Hong Kong also strongly opposed, on grounds that it would be unacceptable to public opinion in Hong

Kong.

Would give impression there that wealth more important than personal qualities.

You will recall

difficulties we faced in steering Hong Kong (Nationality) Order in Council, implementing new nationality arrangements arising from Hong Kong Agreement, through Parliament in Spring.

9.

We have clearly recognised arrangements permitting entry and eventual settlement of businessmen who want both

to invest and to live here. Consistent with nationality policy, based on British citizenship reflecting close

personal links with UK. Would be against our current nationality policies to do more for potential investors.

CONFIDENTIAL