TNAG-1899-FCO40-2697-Future-of-Hong-Kong-briefing-1989 — Page 86

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29

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SECRETARY OF STATE'S BILATERAL WITH THE PRIME MINISTER: 8 MARCH

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HONG KONG

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13 MAR 1989

Misa Mardin

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Mr Faemar 10/3

Points to make (if raised)

Passports for Hong Kong businessmen

Mr Woww

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Agreed that it would be impracticable to amend nationality/immigration law or do anything that would undermine its

worldwide application.

Have noted David Young's proposal that we should aim to attract

up to 100 or so Hong Kong Chinese entrepreneurs by offering them the certainty of a passport in return for suitable investment here. The

law would not permit us to do this.

Believe that existing arrangements for settlement/citizenship

for investors should ensure we obtain reasonable share of

entrepreneurial talent leaving Hong Kong. Welcome the greater

discretion (settlement after 2 years for particularly deserving

cases) which Home Secretary has agreed to exercise. Vern glad to see him use it very flexibly Important thing is not to tout openly

for recomits. Can ensure quietly that the right people get to here

mangements.

British representation in Hong Kong

about on arrang

Our decision to upgrade post of Senior British Trade Commissioner widely welcomed in territory. Now planning for a well

located and prominent Consulate-General after 1997.

Will keep you informed of our thinking.

Believe David Young's idea of London based Trade Commissioner

worth considering. But in final analysis British export success in this, as in other markets, depends on quality of our exporters, not on level of official or government sponsored representation.