TNAG-2189-FCO40-3126-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 152

Thank you for your letter of

enclosing this one/a copy of one from

to

about the Government's proposals for giving 50,000 key personnel the

confidence to remain in Hong Kong up to and beyond 1 July 1997 when the territory reverts to Chinese control.

As you will know, the Foreign Secretary made a statement to Parliament on 20 December in which he outlined our proposals and the reasons why we

consider them to be essential. I attach a copy for

information.

36

There is little I would wish to add to that statement except to stress that the proposals are designed not to encourage immigration into this country but to persuade people to stay in Hong Kong so that they can continue to contribute to the success of the territory and benefit the community as a

whole. We must bolster confidence now in order to avert a collapse of

confidence in the future, which could lead to very large numbers of people from Hong Kong seeking admission to Britain. The measures we have announced are an essential and indispensable element of that objective. The necessary legislation will be introduced at the earliest opportunity.

HKD 340/4.

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

1 1 APR 1990

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