TNAG-2159-FCO40-3079-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-Chinese-views-1990 — Page 66

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Comments

2.

I think point (b) is intended to

to illustrate the difficulty for the Chinese Government to concede that those granted British citizenship under the package would be regarded as foreign nationals whilst in the SAR. References to the Chinese Memorandum, the CNL and the possibility of setting up a precedent for other governments are all reminiscent of Chinese argument based on principle of sovereignty.

3.

Detailing the uncertainties of the position of those covered by the package while they are in the SAR may drive such people out of Hong Kong before 1997. However, it is inconceivable that this is the objective of Tong. Assuming that Tong's article is an inspired one, then I think the following are the possible motives behind the Chinese attempt to discredit the value of the package

a)

b)

to subtly hint at the need for consultation with the Chinese. (It would be quite difficult for the Chinese to press for consultation openly because in the final analysis, the granting of nationality is a matter between the individuals and the

governments concerned. China is in no position to stop people from leaving Hong Kong, especially pre-1997.) Also, the Chinese may not have given up completely the hope of influencing the detailed shape of the package;

to be told who (especially those in the civil service) will be granted British citizenship.

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