TNAG-2178-FCO40-3115-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 93

CONFIDENTIAL

656

OPEN SKIES CONFERENCE: OTTAWA, 12/14 FEBRUARY: SECRETARY OF STATE'S

MEETING WITH CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER

HONG KONG

Objectives

HKD 34011

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

24 FEB 1990

DESK OFFICER INDEX

REGISTRY

PA

Action Taken

To stress the importance we attach to the nationality issue and to urge the Canadians to follow!

To show appreciation for other Canadian proposals to bolster

confidence.

Points to Make

A.

NATIONALITY

Exodus of talent from Hong Kong is a problem which we must all take very seriously. Hope Canada will follow our lead in taking

measures to bolster confidence.

-

Clearly in Canada's interests to do this. If confidence collapsed, would be faced with a much larger immigration commitment (an estimated 100,000 Hong Kong Chinese Canadian passport holders currently reside in Hong Kong and the Canadian authorities project a possible influx of 250,000 people in the event of a cataclysm in Hong Kong).

Do not underestimate the political and legal difficulties for Canadian Government of making special provision for Hong Kong people. But Hong Kong is a unique case. Hope that Canadian Government will examine the possibilities as constructively as

possible.

B.

OTHER CANADIAN PROPOSALS TO BOLSTER CONFIDENCE

Welcome Canadian readiness to look at other ways to bolster confidence (eg. Hong Kong Office in Toronto; signing various bilateral agreements with Hong Kong).

DAWACI (1)

CONFIDENTIAL