TNAG-1712-FCO40-23901-Open-extracts-Folios-79--80-1987 — Page 7

DSR 11C

It is our duty to administer Hong Kong up to 30 June 1997

in the interests of all its people. Until that date all

residents of the territory will be under British

jurisdiction. Over 3 million hold British nationality,

and may continue to do so after 1997. The vast majority

are at present British Dependent Territory Citizens, who

do not possess right of abode in the UK. A relatively

small number are British citizens, but the group contains

individuals of all races, some permanently resident and

some not.

British expatriates are a smaller number So t

clearly viry

again. You will understand at once how important

would be to avoid any arrangement that could be regarded

as divisive or discriminatory.

بعد

HM Gi

For the longer term, it is indeed our intention that

there should be a British Consulate-General (and no doubt

a sizeable one) in Hong Kong from 1997. It will be fully

equipped from that date to look after all legitimate UK

interests in Hong Kong. Opening such a major post will

require careful planning and preparation. We will need

to prepare the ground in various areas in which the

Consulate-General will operate. Thus, to use the example

[he]

of functions now undertaken for us by Immigration

of the Hong Kong Government)

Department we will need to have ready for 1997 a fully

British operation. One of our aims will be to achieve a

smooth transition so that there is no disruption in the

support offered to resident British citizens either

before or after 1997.

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