HARI N HARILELA OBE LLD JP
Sir David Ford, KBE, LVO, JP,
Chief Secretary,
Government Secretariat,
Central Government Offices,
5/F, Main Wing,
Hong Kong
Dear Sir David,
30th October, 1989.
PERSONAL
I am sending you my views on the position of the Indian Community in Hong Kong for your kind perusal.
The total ethnic Indian population of Hong Kong is approximately 16,000 to 17,000. Of this number, some 5000 hold BDTC passports, while the rest are Indian nationals.
Among the 5000 BDTCs, there are between 1200 to 1500 who either came to Hong Kong between 1842 and 1947 (before India became independent) or are their direct descendents. These people chose to retain their British nationality even after India became a separate sovereign nation. Their commitment to Hong Kong has been on the basis that they would always be regarded as nationals of Britain and that there would never be a question of their becoming stateless. Because of their small number, I believe that HMG should give this particular group top priority in any nationality concessions for the ethnic minorities. I feel they should be given full British nationality and the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
The remaining 3500 Indian BDTCs came here from the sub- continent after the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. These people have established businesses here and have played an important role in the development of the territory. They too should also be favoured with full British passports and the right of abode in the United Kingdom.
I would be grateful if you could raise these points during your ongoing discussions with HMG's officials on the proposed nationality package and try to help us in the matter.
with kid
rigondo.
Young Reveal Малі
H. N. Harilela
Ref. HNH/C82/1138
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