Confederation of British Industry
Centre Point
103 New Oxford Street London WC1A IDU Telephone 01-379 7400 Facsimile 01-240 1578 Telex 21332
Director-General
John M M Banham
Deputy Director-General and Secretary Maurice Hunt
On the 6 May 1990 these 01 codes change to 071
9 March 1990
Ref: HK 112
A R Paul Esq
Head, Hongkong Department
cc
$20/3 Mr Party 201
Paul,
Just arrived in my tray
tood ary.
We shall draft.
(163 CBI
Silver Jubilee
1965-1990
~20/3 Amp!
This 34014
Foreign and Commonwealth of RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
Room 307a
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH
Dear Alan
1 1 MAY 1990
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
reply
REGISTRY
Action Taken
2/4190 lenty. JestyouF
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The question of British passports for Hongkong citizens was discussed at the last meeting of HKTAG, and also at a meeting of our Overseas Committee. There has been a feeling that amid all the controversy, the interests of British business in Hongkong have been obscured. It is not only our trade links with Hongkong which matter, but also the substantial investments of British companies and individuals, both in direct subsidiaries and affiliates and through the stock market. This was pointed out by the Trade Commissioner in an article in "Overseas Trade" last November.
The CBI does not want to get into arguments about numbers, which are a sensitive political issue at both ends, but we are concerned that in the allocation of passports through a "points system" as announced by the Secretary of State, key local personnel in British companies in Hongkong should be included.
I am sure that your Department is fully aware of the risks to British business presented by the melting away of their personnel in Hongkong, especially at middle and junior middle levels.
It would be reassuring to our members to know that, as far as is possible, this factor is borne in mind in the allocation process.
With kind regards.
Yours sincerely.
все
ANDREW S LAWSON
Head, East and South Asia Department International Affairs Directorate
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