TNAG-1894-FCO40-2688-Visit-by-Francis-Maude--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1989 — Page 57

TOCAAO (6)

CONFIDENTIAL

Working on a scheme to give assurance of right of abode to people

in private and public sectors on basis of value of service to Hong

Kong as well as connections with Britain.

Our 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.

19.

When will nationality package be announced?

No decision has yet been taken.

But a lot of detailed work

Much progress has already been made.

still remains to be done. Essential to ensure that parameters of scheme are absolutely right for Hong Kong.

Delay does not in any way imply diminution in our commitment to

produce a package.

20.

UK should take lead in mobilising international rescue package

We recognise that Hong Kong people 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 international community

to help us if numbers were more than we could cope with alone.

Have already raised this 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.

Prime Minister will also be raising this issue at Commonwealth

Heads of Government Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

21.

Do you see any scope for spreading burden with EC?

Have already discussed this matter with EC partners at Madrid

CONFIDENTIAL