TNAG-2185-FCO40-3122-Ethnic-minorities-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 129

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16.

There is some uncertainty about the fate of 5,000 people of Indian origin who are likely to be stateless after Hong Kong has gone to China.

Is Britain finding any solution to this problem?

We

We recognise the particular concern of the ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, and we have already taken steps to reassure them about their position after 1997. We have made provision for the children and grandchildren of former British Dependent Territory Citizens born after 1997 to acquire British. Overseas Citizenship if they would otherwise be stateless. have in Parliament said that if, against all expectations, the ethnic minorities came under pressure to leave Hong Kong in the future, we would expect the Government of the day to consider their case for admission here with considerable and particular sympathy. We stand by that undertaking.

17.

Is Britain feeling concerned more about human rights in China than political stability in that country? Have the events in Tiananmen Square last June affected Britain's attitude to the Chinese Government?

We are concerned about lack of respect for human rights anywhere. We made clear to the Chinese government our views about the tragic events in Peking last year. With our European partners, we brought in a number of measures designed to underline our concern. But we have no wish to isolate China. That would help nobody. We wish nothing but good to the Chinese people. We need to use our contacts to encourage the Chinese to return to policies of genuine reform. And of course we need to maintain our co-operation with the Chinese Government over important Hong Kong issues.

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