TNAG-1566-FCO40-2131-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 97

MAX.07 '86 16:34 GMT HO 2 LUNAR HOUSE

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21. There are already very positive signs which give us every cause for

confidence.

The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group meets in an excellent atmosphere

and has solid achievements to its credit. It has made arrangements to ensure that

Hong Kong maintains its place in the world trading community after 1997: and to

facilitate travel by Hong Kong people through, amongst other things, formal agreemer.

to the right of abode endorsement to be placed in the BN (0) passport. These provide

clear evidence of the determination of both parties to secure the continued stabilit

and prosperity of Hong Kong through the successful implementation of the agreement.

And they have been welcomed in Hong Kong, where confidence in the future is high.

22. The Government recognizes the importance of these issues to your Lordships

and to the people of Hong Kong. We recognize and accept our responsibilities to

all British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong, and we believe they have

been fully and fairly met. We have gone a long way to meet the concerns of the

people of Hong Kong and of your Lordships. The provisions we are proposing are

designed to provide a sound basis for the future security and prosperity of all

British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong. In this spirit I commend

them to this House and invite your Lordships to approve the Order.

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