E
CONFIDENTIAL
(Chinese reaction to announcement of our nationality package,
Accusing PMG of violati ig Joint Declaration)
Package does not conflict with British commitments under Joint
Declaration or memoranda associated with it. On contrary, package
is designed to strengthen confidence in Hong Kong and to encourage key people to remain there.
(British passport holders will be excluded from top jobs/British consular protection)
- Has always been clear from Joint Declaration and draft Basic Law
that certain top jobs in the SAR would be reserved for Chinese
nationals and we accepted this. But number of those affected very
small compared with total number of beneficiaries under our scheme.
Those who are granted British citizenship will enjoy all the
benefits that this status confers. This includes British consular
protection all over the world, except for dual nationals in the country of their second nationality.
DEMOCRACY
- Clear from Douglas Hurd's visit to Hong Kong that community
favours substantially faster pace of democratisation than envisaged
in 1988.
Our position is that we must introduce this in 1991 and t y to ensure that process continues and develops in following yea s. is what we are working towards, through contacts with Chinese.
That
But clear that, if China is unable to meet Hong Kong's aspirations, we shall have to do what we think is right for 1991.
-
Chinese intentions still confused. Plenary of Basic Law Drafting
Committee meets on 12 February. Would expect that meeting to be
considering final draft.
MAXAEW (2)
CONFIDENTIAL
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