BACKGROUND
HONG KONG
CONFIDENTIAL
REFERENCE: A - Bonn teleletter of 5 January
1.
West German trade with Hong Kong is growing rapidly. The West Germans have already overtaken the UK in terms of sales to Hong Kong
and are drawing rapidly away.
2.
Following the announcement of our nationality package on 20 December the Embassy in Bonn (including Sir C Mallaby) have urged the Federal Government to follow our lead in offering comparable assurances. The Federal Government have also been under pressure from German firms in Hong Kong and have been giving serious consideration to what they could do to help.
3.
It is unlikely that the Federal Government will be prepared to change the naturalisation procedures which require 11 years residence and the ability to speak German. But the Auswaertiges Amt and the Interior Ministry are considering the idea of giving key personnel employed by of German firms in Hong Kong approval to establish residence in the FRG, subject to guarantee from their company of continued emploment and support. Those concerned would eventually be able to apply for naturalisation in the normal way. It is estimated that such a scheme might cover up to 500 people, including dependants. Discussion of this proposal is taking time because of the need to consult the Federal Laender.
4. The Secretary of State hopes to discuss the issue with Messrs Kohl and Genscher during his visit to Bonn on 6 Febrary.
Hong Kong Department
5 February 1990
TOYABB (2)
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 105Page 106
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.