TNAG-1896-FCO40-2690-Calls-on-Francis-Maude--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1989 — Page 74

FAYAJP (4)

Points to Make

RESTRICTED

J

Well aware of the concerns of the ethnic minorities, particularly

in the light of recent events in China.

Assurance given by Lord Glenarthur in 1986 represents strongest possible commitment, fully supported by Opposition. No question of Government backing away from that commitment.

British Nationality (Hong Kong) Order also provides that ethnic

minorities who might otherwise be stateless will be entitled to

British Overseas Citizenship for 2 generations after 1997.

In addition we are working on a scheme to give assurance of right of abode to people in both public and private sectors on the basis

of value of service to Hong Kong and connections with Britain. Announcement will be made on this as soon as possible.

Aware of your concern that non-Chinese people need to be able to prove that they have taken Hong Kong as their place of permanent residence under Article 24(4) of draft Basic Law. The Hong Kong Government made clear at the time that the 1987 Immigration Ordinance was a transitional measure and that the Law would have to

be further amended to give right of abode to ethnic minorities.

As Secretary for Security has already made clear, British and

Chinese Governments have agreed that non-Chinese resident will be able to establish that he has taken Hong Kong as his place of permanent residence by signing simple declaration.

RESTRICTED