TNAG-1567-FCO40-2132-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 129

Dependent Territories citizens if they so wished. Of course we cannot say how

many might be in a position by 1997 to claim British citizenship, but the future

commitment is at least uncertain and possibly substantial. We cannot responsibly

enter into a commitment unless it is on the understanding that it may one day

have to be met.

16.

There are those who argue that given the circumstances of Hong Kong it would

nevertheless be prudent to grant these people British citizenship in case

circumstances there were to change and they had to leave. Of course if this

were to be the case, there would no doubt need to be a good deal of reconsideration

and readjustment. But it is not sensible to go into the next 11 years planning

for the worst, and we have no reason at all to do so. But I understand the concern

of this community and that is why I have already made clear that if any British

National were at any time to come under pressure to leave Hong Kong, we would

expect the Government of the day to consider sympathetically their admission

to the United Kingdom on a case by case basis. Mr John Swaine, the Convenor of

the Legislative Council's Ad Hoc Group on the Order, has been quoted as

welcoming this as a strong moral commitment to this community. I am sure he was

right to do so. Taken together with our other measures it provides the best

assurance for a secure and confident future for the people of Hong Kong.

17.

There are already signs of continuing encouragement about Hong Kong's future.

The Joint Liaison Group continues to work well. It has recently made arrangements

to ensure that after 1997 Hong Kong keeps its place in the world trading community,

and it has also formally agreed the terms of the right of abode endorsement in

the BN (0) passport.

18.

Confidence in Hong Kong is therefore high. This Government has I believe

made a significant contribution to establishing and building that confidence

by carefully measured steps, many of which have been considered and approved

by this House. The Nationality Order represents another important step along

the way.

The arrangements we have made for the ethnic minorities, as for all

other British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong, fully honour our

commitments to them. They offer a sound and responsible basis for continued

confidence and security in the future. The Nationality Order will, I believe,

serve the people of Hong Kong well. I commend it to the House.

- 4.