TNAG-2192-FCO40-3129-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 163

Prime Minister

SECRET

HONG KONG ASSURANCES: LEGISLATION

1.

As you know we are to consider this matter at OD (K) on 15 March.

I have seen a copy of David Waddington's memorandum for this

meeting, revised to take account of our discussion on 6 March.

in broad agreement with it. There is however one further

modification which I would like to suggest.

I am

2. In the course of my meeting with the Governor on 8 March, he

expressed serious concern to me about the exclusion of over 80% of

the working population of Hong Kong from even a token chance of

success. He explained that the key to the acceptability of the

package in the territory had been the fact that it ranged very

widely across Hong Kong society and that no-one would be excluded

from applying, even though the chances of success for the great

majority would be extremely small. He argued that the proposed changes would undermine this principle and could provoke strong

criticism in Hong Kong which would play back in this country,

thereby complicating our task in securing the passage of the Bill

through Parliament.

3. I see some force in this argument, although I do not accept that

it would be right to pretend that our scheme is designed for anyone

other than genuinely key people. I do however see the need for a

small reserve category, in addition to the seven categories listed

in David Waddington's memorandum. This category would cater for

genuinely key people who would not be covered under the revised

proposals. The sort of people I have in mind are air traffic

controllers (vital for the safe and efficient function of Kai Tak

Airport); first class interpreters and translators (essential in an

international city such as Hong Kong); or managers of the huge

public housing estates in Hong Kong.

HOTAAE

SECRET