TNAG-1838-FCO40-2613-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 44

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

Measures (eg international schools) to facilitate return of Hong Kong people who wish to come back after a period abroad.

11.

Nationality

Hong Kong residents consist of 3 million with BDTC or BNO passports (explain no difference) and the rest (1.5 - 2 million) who

have Certificates of Identity or Documents of Identity (explain

difference).

-

Describe the rights and privileges which a BDTC/BNO passport

confer on holder. But these rights do not include right of abode in

UK.

Describe history of this (which goes back beyond BNA 1981 to

decisions taken as early as 1961). Give details.

Emphasise that decisions at every stage were endorsed by

Parliament of the day.

Present situation is understood and accepted by most Hong Kong

people. They want to make their future in Hong Kong. They

understand that any change in their present status would involve

change in Nationality Act. Would also be seen by many as vote of no

confidence in Hong Kong's future. Must be right to seek, as we are

doing through Joint Declaration, to secure Hong Kong's future, not

to undermine it.

12.

Hong Kong Economy

[A short passage to bring out fact that Hong Kong economy was

in the doldrums in 1983/84 before the Joint Declaration was signed;

and that since signature the economy has been booming. Joint

Declaration has provided background of stability and certainty to

enable this to happen. Has also created conditions for massive

Chinese investment in Hong Kong; and for development of extensive

economic co-operation between Hong Kong and China.]

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