TNAG-1566-FCO40-2131-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 16

BRITISH CITIZENSHIP FOR NON-ETHNIC CHINESE

IS THE GOVERNMENT PREPARED TO RECONSIDER THIS REQUEST?

LINE TO TAKE

B2

We have already given long and careful consideration to the position of British

Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong who are not ethnically Chinese. My

hon Friend the Minister of State at the Home Office and my hon Friend the Minister

of State at the Foreign Office met representatives of the Council of Hong Kong

Indian Associations and there have been detailed discussions between officials.

There is nothing more to be gained by further deferring a decision or by going

again over arguments which have already been very fully considered. It is

essential that we now get on with the arrangements which are instituted in the

Order. I am sure it is in no-one's interests to have further delay and

uncertainty.

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