CONFIDENTIAL
11
1. As Mr Paul says, the results of the initial approaches made by Posts are disappointing. But they are not surprising. Very few countries are able, like the French, to give full passports at the absolute discretion of the relevant Minister. The great majority, like the UK, link citizenship with residence.
2.
That said, we clearly cannot accept No for an answer, and I agree that we should now seek to raise the issue at Ministerial level, using the contacts which the Department have identified and others which may emerge. We might also consider a further round of lobbying by Posts, in this case instructing Heads of Mission at selected Posts to approach Governments at senior, and preferably Ministerial level.
3. We should bear in mind that over 95% of Hong Kong people now leaving go to Canada, the United States and Australia. While we do not wish to close off these opportunities for emigration, any additional schemes which the three countries might introduce to give assurances similar to ours would be of disproportionate value. The Secretary of State will have opportunities during his visits to the US and Canada to raise the question with his counterparts there. He might send a message to Senator Evans to follow up the contacts we have already had with the Australians.
8 January 1990
Cc:
PS/Mr Waldegrave PS/Lord Brabazon
Mr Gillmore
Mr Burns, News Dept Mr McQuade, NTD
Mr Montgomery, MVD Mr Paul, HKD
MC6AAN
CONFIDENTIAL
RJT McLaren
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