TNAG-2195-FCO40-3132-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 121

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FROM:

DATE:

A R Paul

Hong Kong Department

18 April 1990

Private Secretary

Mr Gillmore

YCER

PA

REGISTRY

Mr McLaren

Action Taken

Mr Lidington

Mr Whitehead, News Dept

HONG KONG BILL: HOME SECRETARY'S SPEECH FOR THE SECOND READING

1. The Home Office have sent us the latest draft of the Home

Secretary's speech for the second reading of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Bill on 20 April. This incorporates a number of the

Home Secretary's own ideas.

2.

There are a number of points which are not quite right. I

recommend that we try to secure the necessary improvements. The

points which require further attention are listed below. I submit,

where appropriate, suggested redrafts

3. The relevant passages are as follows:

(a) Page 1 para 1. The speech begins with a rather bald

statement to the effect that we are handing over Hong Kong to a

Communist power. We should make it clear that we agreed to the transfer of sovereignty in 1997 only on the basis of the

Sino-British Joint Declaration which guarantees Hong Kong's way of

life and socio-economic systems will be maintained for at least 50 years after 1997. I submit a draft.

(b) Page 2 para 2. The reference to "refugees from tyranny" seems to me to be gratuitously offensive to the Chinese and should

be omitted. Moreover the point here that more people enter Hong

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