CONFIDENTIAL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH BOWEN WELLS MP, 13 MARCH
HONG KONG
Points to Make
In your recent letter, you raised a number of objections to our
proposed nationality scheme. Glad to have opportunity to discuss
these in detail.
Well aware of difficulties inherent in any scheme to give some Hong Kong people right of abode in UK on a selective basis. But
this does not mean that because of these difficulties we should not
do what we can to help.
Do not accept that our decision to offer citizenship to 50,000 key people will undermine confidence in Hong Kong. It is essential to try to stem the outflow of key people which is already threatening Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. Unless we take steps to anchor these people in Hong Kong, effects of trend likely to be increasingly felt in next few years.
-
Do not accept that our scheme reflects lack of trust in Chinese
Government or Joint Declaration. On contrary, it is designed to
maintain prosperity and stability in accordance with our obligations
under Joint Declaration.
You suggest that scheme will be divisive. Aiming to minimise this. Scheme will not focus exclusively on rich and powerful but will be based on merit and value of service to Hong Kong.
Joint
You suggest that British passport holders will suffer
discrimination after 1997. Do not share your pessimism.
Declaration makes explicit provision for British nationals to be
employed in public service after 1997 at all levels except as heads
of major government departments
-
no more than 30 jobs in all.
PAYANL
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.