TNAG-1712-FCO40-23901-Open-extracts-Folios-79--80-1987 — Page 6

ci stances where they wish to seek redress against

atts of the Hong Kong Government: but should they do so

there are local channels open to them, as well as the

right of any Hong Kong resident to petition the Governor,

to seek assistance from the FCO or to petition The Queen.

Where other government activities are concerned,

rade promotion is handled effectively and vigorousty by

do not wrom the the British Trade Commission, UK businessmen need fe thing

/ feel

lack of government support in their efforts to get a

share of the Hong Kong market. As Mr Allison points out,

the Hong Kong Government's Immigration Department

currently fulfills certain other functions on behalf of

HMG. Where resident expatriates are concerned, this

principally involves handling passport applications and

renewals. We have not been aware that this arrangement

has caused problems (any recent difficulties have been

the result of industrial action in the UK civil service).

There is no reason why increasing localisation of the

diffinities! public service in Hong Kong should create any problems.

Immigration Department has in fact been heavily "local"

for many years.

PULM

I think

You

ou will appreciate that the opening of a

wouldy "British Representative Office" before 1997 will have

political and presentational implications, which the

British and Hong Kong Governments would have to consider

Very seriousty. The British Government's administration

of Hong Kong is through the Governor and the Hong Kong

Jovernment, whose authority must be clear and unimpaired.