TNAG-2171-FCO40-3108-Special-quota-of-work-permits-for-the-Dependent-Territories-1990 — Page 19

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6. The Governor of Hong Kong was kept informed throughout

He commented that the intention to abolish

this process.

the Work Permit Quota for Hong Kong sat oddly with the

nationality package, given that each of the two schemes had very different aims. But he raised no objection to Ministers decision that the 1990 Quota for Hong Kong would be the last. I have however again consulted him: his reply is attached (Hong Kong telno 3591).

7. As the Governor points out, the strongest opposition to the decision to abolish the Quota for Hong Kong is likely to come from Hong Kong Chinese interests in this country,

rather than from the territory itself. We can however

expect some adverse publicity in Hong Kong following the

announcement.

8.

The Governor is clearly not particularly happy with the decision; but his main concern appears to be with the way in

which the decision is presented in the PQ. He would prefer deletion of all reference to the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act in the reply. I agree: for the reasons given in the Governor's telegram the artificial connection between

the two schemes is likely to irritate rather than console.

9. I therefore recommend that the PQ be amended. The draft

letter proposes this.

ARPAN

A R Paul

LABAAX/3

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