TNAG-2178-FCO40-3115-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 46

CONFIDENTIAL

to recommend people who should apply under

these schemes.

Federal Republic

of Germany

Greece

Ireland

Italy

Japan

The Auswaertiges Amt and the Federal Interior Ministry are considering a possible scheme which would allow key personnel from German

firms in Hong Kong to receive approval to

establish residence in the FRG, subject to

guarantees from the company of continued

employment and support. On arrival in the FRG, they could then apply for naturalisation in the normal way. If the scheme is approved (which requires consultation with the Federal

Laender), the maximum number of beneficiaries

including dependants would be about 500.

Given the very low level of their commercial contacts with Hong Kong, and their reliance on

an honorary Consulate, the Greeks would have

difficulty in identifying people to whom offers

of residence might be given. But the Greeks

are now considering the establishment of a

Consulate-General in Hong Kong and might be

willing to help in the longer term.

Like the Greeks, the Irish have no major

commercial interests in Hong Kong.

The Italian Foreign Minister, De Michelis,

visited Hong Kong over Christmas and is thought

likely to be receptive to our ideas. Will be

raised at the Anglo-Italian Summit on 23

February.

Although Japan is the largest foreign investor

in Hong Kong and employs a large number of Hong

ALAADA

CONFIDENTIAL