TNAG-2079-FCO40-2959-Hong-Kong-press-coverage-and-reports-1990 — Page 250

2 to expand the

build a new airport

ort/20

for facilition

so that Hong Kong can continue to prosper.

It is also wim we cultad su ingustare to__((HAC)

IHK

구

8.

ん

why

The British Nationality Act, which has just completed its passage

through parliament is central It provides for British passports

of

b

to be issued to 50,0 heads of household and their dependents

(perhaps 250,000 people in all). The aim providing this

irrevocable reassurance is to encourage key figures in Hong Kong to

stay on up to and beyond 1997. Their continuing presence will karelit

Wilder motive benefit Chinaj

L The recent Chinese government comment that they

tro

Mere is no

could not recognise these passports after 1997. (not a statement but

a response to press questioning) does not invalidate the policy.

They have always taken this line and I would not expect them to

change it. But they have not been able to make a case that it

contravenes the Joint Declaration, and once the British passports

are issued they will be indistinguishable from any other.

We have to do business with China over Hong Kong. This does not

mean approbation of Chinese domestic policy, although there have

been some encouraging steps. To refuse contact would be a gross

dereliction of duty which could only damage the prospects for a

free, prosperous future in Hong Kong,

and undo

what has already been achieved.

NW6AAF