TNAG-2195-FCO40-3132-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 63

RERVM

The University of Sheffield

Institute for Korean Studies

CAVSAS

COGNOSCERE

Chairman, G H Healey

17 February, 1990

Rt. Hon. Douglas Hurd, M.P.

House of Commons

Westminster

London

Sheffield S10 2TN

Tel: (0742) 768555

Telex: 547216 UGSHEF G Fax: (0742) 739826

21 E 1990

UK

HKD

SALLOCATIONS

Dear Mr. Hurd,

I wish to take this opportunity to register my outrage at the British government's conduct with regard to the reversion of Hong Kong to China, the creation of the Basic Law, and its attitude towards the people of Hong Kong.

Several years ago, the British government altered the passports held by the people of Hong Kong to a third-class, in effect worthless, status. By not emplanting full democracy in the colony and establishing a Bill of Rights, the government has denied the people of Hong Kong protection against the tyranny of the Chinese government.

By not granting to every citizen of the colony a valid British passport with right of residence in this country, the British government has denied the people of Hong Kong a legal avenue of escape from tyranny. Sir, let us make no mistake when we speak of the present government of China, we refer to a government of systematic tyranny.

Sir, many of the people of Hong Kong have fled from the tyranny of the People's Republic. All of the citizens of the colony know the nature of the regime. All have been horrified by events of 4 June in Beijing. All know that this massacre and the events which have followed are not an aberration, as some members of the British government would have the British public believe. Can the British government, can the British people, simply turn over millions of people to a tyrannical regime with

legal protection of their rights nor a legal means of escape?

no

Sir, I feel that all who have been responsible for the creation and pursuit of this policy towards Hong Kong should feel a deep sense of shame. Shame, however, will provide no protection for the people of Hong Kong. I plead with you and the members of the Cabinet to restore full British passports with right of abode to all the citizens of Hong Kong, while also negotiating with other nations of the Commonwealth and the United States to take on a per-centage of the people of Hong Kong who may flee if the worst conditions arise after China assumes control of the colony.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

off

1. James H. Grayson

James H. Grayson, Director of Studies