FAYAIM
VISIT OF HONG KONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NATIONALITY AND RIGHT OF ABODE
Points to Make
Very conscious that confidence in Hong Kong still bruised
after recent events in China. Well aware that Hong Kong people
increasingly looking for foreign passports on "insurance".
As Prime Minister has already made clear, simply no way in which
Government could give right of abode to all the people of Hong Kong.
Potential practical difficulties would be overwhelming.
Some people have suggested that very few people would
ever exercise right to come to Britain. No one can predict how many
would come; numbers could be very great. Would be irresponsible for
us to make commitments or raise expectations that no future British
Government could meet.
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But Government determined to do what they can to help, within
limits of what is practicable. Therefore working on scheme to give
assurance of right of abode in UK to key personnel in private and
public sectors on basis of value of service to Hong Kong as well as
connections with Britain. Aim is to give people whose professional,
administrative, technical and managerial skills are essential for
continued success of Hong Kong confidence to remain in the
territory. Announcement will be made as soon as possible.
Also recognise that people of Hong Kong need to be given
strongest possible assurance that, should the worst occur, there
would be help for those in need of a home of last resort. In such
circumstances, we would mobilise the international community to help
us if numbers were more than we could cope with alone. Have already
raised the matter with our friends and partners on a number of occasions, including Madrid European Council and Paris Economic
Summit as well as in bilateral contacts.
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