TNAG-2180-FCO40-3117-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 167

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British Embassy

3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington DC 20008

Telex Domestic USA 89-2370/89-2384

Telex International 64224(WUI)/440015(ITT) Telephone (202) 462-1340

Ms R Marsden

HKD

FCO

Your reference

Our reference

Mr

"ly

30 March 1990

161

18/4

Nea Ras

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR HONG KONG

1.

Ако

Date

HRD 24011

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

02 MAY 1990

DESK OFFICEM

INDEX

RE

P

PA

setgh taktı.

I recently discussed the idea of an immigration safety net for Hong Kong with my Australian colleague, who works for the Australian Immigration Service. He confirmed there was no chance of Australia making special arrangements for Hong Kong, but said (please protect) that the Australian Immigration Service foresaw large numbers of Hong Kong residents entering Australia after 1997 on visitors' visas, and then refusing to leave. My contact very much doubted whether any Australian government would deport them, particularly if the situation in Hong Kong deteriorated. He thought many Hong Kong residents would also hold visitors' visas for Canada and the United States. They, too, would be able to use them to leave Hong Kong after 1997.

2. I report this for what it is worth. Neither I, nor Peter Lo at the Hong Kong Trade Office here with whom I discussed this idea, believe that possession of a visitors' visa will encourage many people to stay in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, I was struck by the Australians' concern at the prospect of a future influx.

Youz the

S D Pattison

cc: S Bradley Esq, Deputy Political Advisor,

Hong Kong

Chanceries CANBERRA, OTTAWA

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