TNAG-1879-FCO40-2670-Student-demonstrations-and-internal-political-situation-in-C-1989 — Page 86

June 7, 1989

20th Floor, Leighton Centre, Hong Kong

Facsimile: 5-769037

The Right Honourable Mrs. Margaret Thatcher

10 Downing Street

London

England

Dear Prime Minister,

We represent eight professional institutions in Hong Kong with a combined professional membership of 25,000.

The recent indiscriminate and brutal use of force by the Chinese Government in suppressing peaceful and democratic assembly has led to a further loss of confidence in the future of Hong Kong under the concept of "one country, two systems".

You have been quoted in Hong Kong newspaper as saying that "we view these events in Peking with particular concern because of our responsiblity for Hong Kong and our obligation, which we share with the Chinese Government under the Joint Declaration, to safeguard Hong Kong's future stability and prosperity Britain will continue to stand by its commitment to a secure future for Hong Kong. We are confident that the Chinese Government also will continue to abide by their obligations under the 1984 agreement".

We appreciate your expression of confidence. However, in the light of recent events in China, we and the people of Hong Kong cannot help question the basis for your confidence, and we need to be assured of what tangible actions you and Her Majesty's Government will take to ensure that the stability of Hong Kong can be maintained, and that the provisions of the Sino-British Joint Declaration will be upheld after 1997. We believe it to be imperative that the British Government give consideration to the following measures with utmost urgency:

1.

The grant of the right of abode in the United Kingdom to British nationals in Hong Kong.

Less than two months ago, we gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons on this issue. We made a strong call then for the case of Hong Kong British nationals to be considered afresh rather than against the background of Britain's immigration policies over the last quarter of a century in view of Hong Kong's unique circumstances. The recent events in China have made our call all the more urgent and realistic.