TNAG-1852-FCO40-2627-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 126

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CONFIDENTIAL

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i) There has been a clear shift of opinion towards a faster rate of introduction of democracy. It remains to be seen what concensus will emerge;

ii) We are continuing to review the

new electoral

issue. It is particularly important to ensure that the basic

rules law reflects the views of Hong Kong people.

We need to consider the question of a green paper with the Hong Kong Government. We are inclined to agree with the

* recommendation that the first Chief Executive should be elected

by an electoral college, but will need to keep this under review in light of evolving opinion in Hong Kong.

g)

It

British policy and actions. The reply will include a firm declaration of Britain's commitment to Hong Kong's future. should, if possible, include a commitment to the establishment of a

Consulate General. We are working on this with a view to an announcement in time for the Secretary of State's visit in January, but are not sure if it will be ready in time for inclusion in the

reply.

h)

Nationality.

The reply will spell out:

i) Why we cannot give right of abode to all Hong Kong citizens;

ii) An announcement of the nationality package;

iii) The international effort (including CHOGM.)

The reply would endorse the report's recommendation that action should be designed to help restore confidence, not encourage people to leave. On the subject of war widows, the Home Office has decided to give the necessary assurances to be announced in parallel with the announcement of the nationality package.

i) Vietnamese boat people. By the time of the publication of the reply, we expect to have begun mandatory repatriation, therefore it

is very helpful indeed that the report contains an acceptance of the necessity for this course of action. The reply will spell this out.

I attach, as an annex for information, a brief summary of the proposals in the report with a short commentary in note form on a

note-by-note basis.

CONFIDENTIAL