4.
pursue points that needed clarification.
Article 74 of the Joint Declaration makes it clear that British and foreign nationals resident in Hong Kong may continue to be employed in the Hong Kong Government after 1997 except in certain specified top posts.
out in the Basic Law.
These would presumably be spelt
Despite the apparent Chinese statement, full British nationals would indeed merit and deserve full British consular protection whether they had acquired British nationality as a result of the nationality package or in previous years by other routes.
Those with BNO passports after 1997 might be in a different category, though this was a point to be clarified with the Chinese and they would still remain of concern to HMG.
The remarks on consular protection seem, on the face of it, rather contradictary and presumably depend upon whether the Chinese are talking about people who also seek to hold Chinese passports at the same time. The Chinese do not respect dual nationality and if this report is true are also seeking to put constraints on those with residence permits abroad.
5. The point we have not yet nailed firmly is the suggestion that people in top political positions may not be British or foreign nationals. The report seems to rule out ExCo members and indicates that the position of other legislators is under review. The attached consolidated line would make this point more explicit but
therefore also more controversial.
6.
If the Secretary of State agrees to this on the record line we shall brief AP and PA and the key lobby correspondents.
Andrews Bury
R A Burns
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.