INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
REFERENCES : A
CONFIDENTIAL
B
C
Canberra telno 827 reporting Home
Secretary's meeting with Senator Evans on
12 September
Hong Kong telno 2716 reporting Australian Immigration Minister's visit to Hong Kong on 2-5 September
Independent on Sunday article of 29 April about Hong Kong investment in Tonga
Background
1. Australia is the second most popular destination for emigrants from Hong Kong, and also one of its major trading partners (Hong Kong is Australia's fourth largest market for
exports). Australia's therefore has a substantial stake in
Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.
2.
Like Canada, however, Australia has declined to introduce a scheme of assurances specifically for Hong Kong because of its non-discriminatory immigration policy. But the Australian Government has been under pressure from Australian companies in the territory to do something for their local employees. Senator Evans indicated to the Home
Secretary on 12 September that the possibility of increased flexibility within the existing Immigration Rules was under consideration. It would be helpful if Lord Caithness could
probe further on this.
3.
There is no need for Lord Caithness to raise Hong Kong in his bilateral contacts with the Governments of Fiji,
Tonga or Vanuatu, but if the subject is raised with him, the Minister should emphasise the importance of Hong Kong as international and regional economic centre. It is in everyone's interests to help to maintain stability and prosperity of the territory.
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