TNAG-2181-FCO40-3118-Hong-Kong-nationality-international-support-1990 — Page 82

10 May 1990

CONFIDENTIAL

BRITISH EMBASSY

THE HAGUE

276

Ms R Marsden

Hong Kong Department FCO

Dear Ros,

HONG KONG: INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

нко

340/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

1 8 JUN 1990

PA

REGISTRY

Action Taken

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

1. In paragraph 3 of our tel number 107 of 21 March we noted that Van den Broek told Mr Maude that although the Dutch Government had real difficulties over committing itself to accept Hong Kong citizens after 1997, he would look at the question again. We have now received evidence that the examination is proceeding and might end favourably.

2.

Lrst

When I paid an introductory call on Herman du Marchie-Sarvaas on 8 May, the topic he raised was Hong Kong. He explained why it was impossible for the Dutch to issue passports outside the normal rules, but said that Hong Kong employees of Dutch-based companies might be granted residence permits if their employers guaranteed them jobs in this country. However, although the decision to admit such people individually could be taken ad hoc, a decision to do so for a whole category of people would require high level consideration, probably at Cabinet level. The matter was still under review but he was hopeful of the right decision being taken in the reasonably near future.

3. Marchie-Sarvaas added that this was not his own direct responsibility; it fell under Monique Frank, Head of the General Affairs Directorate, MFA, but I have been unable to get hold of her to obtain further details.

4. Obviously this is good news as far as it goes, and I will follow up when I see Mrs Frank on 18 May. But it should please not be disclosed outside the FCO until we hear something more definite: a leak could make it more difficult for the Dutch to take the right decision.

Гап

RP FLOWER

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CONFIDENTIAL