TNAG-2033-FCO40-2896-Visit-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1990 — Page 95

UK SHOULD TAKE LEAD IN MOBIL IS ING INTERNAT IONAL SAFETY

NET?

As I made clear in my statement to the House on

20 December, I hope other countries will now follow our

lead in offering similar assurances to Hong Kong.

This is a British responsibility. But Hong Kong is an

international centre, with huge international investment. Its major trading partners have a strong interest in Hong Kong's continuing stability and prosperity.

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Some countries have already found ways to give Hong Kong people assurances without their having to leave Hong Kong. We shall now be asking partners and allies to

consider taking similar measures.

1

WILL PRIOR ITY BE GIVEN TO EMPLOYEES OF BRITISH COMPANIES?

One of the selection criteria will be connection with Britain. Employees of British companies will benefit from

this.

In addition British firms will also be able to make use

of the approved econdments scher