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option unworkable in practice. Letting people drown simply not on.
Damage to Hong Kong's international reputation would be immense.
Hope Omelco can lead Hong Kong public opinion to view options
realistically.
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Decision to withhold further funds for camps would also be major
error. Hong Kong's international image would suffer gravely.
HMG has done its bit: £17m contributed or pledged since end of
last year to help tackle problem. 2,000 new resettlement places.
Nationality
Hope it is now well understood why we cannot give right of abode
to all Hong Kong BDTCs.
Working on scheme to provide assurance of right of abode in UK to people in private and public sectors, taking particular account of
value of service to Hong Kong. Will be as generous as we can within the political and practical constraints.
Much progress has already been made. But great deal of detailed work remains to be done. Important that we get the details right.
Some time yet before announcement can be made.
Also in contact with our EC partners, Commonwealth Government and
United States to bring home to them anxiety felt by Hong Kong people
and to make clear we would expect their help and support if worst
came to worst.
Democracy and Basic Law
Important that real consensus is reached in Hong Kong on future
constitutional development. Omelco consensus very significant step
forward.
Doing all we can to impress upon Chinese need for Basic Law and future political structure which commands confidence in Hong Kong.
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