VISIT OF PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN SECRETARY OF SINGAPORE
24-30 MAY 1990
HONG KONG: POINTS TO MAKE (SECRETARY OF STATE BRIEF)
International Support
the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 19 April. Primary aim is to give key people in Hong Kong the assurances they want to give them the confidence to remain in the territory.
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- Singapore Government's Scheme announced last year is, in scope, similar, in that people in Hong Kong do not have to immediately leave and reside in Singapore to qualify for residency. Does the Foreign Minister have details of how the scheme is working?
We have been lobbying other countries to take measures similar to that of Singapore and are having some success. The Singapore scheme is much appreciated and we are sure will have the desired effect to keep people in Hong Kong. It is in all our interests to maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong up to 1997 and beyond.
Relations with China
G
Relations with China over Hong Kong been through difficult patch.
Believe we are now returning to more cooperative atmosphere, helped by accommodation reached on development of Democracy, promulgation of Basic Law and quite successful Joint Liaison Group meeting in April.
- But hurdles may still be ahead: expect more trouble over passage of Nationality Bill and other confidence-building measures.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.