TNAG-2195-FCO40-3132-Hong-Kong-nationality-package-1990 — Page 67

Live for Sir Go Have to use in his croituency on 21/4

A. ~ 2014

REACTION IN HONG KONG TO THE SECOND READING OF THE BRITISH

NATIONALITY (HONG KONG) BILL

Line to take

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RECEIVED

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REGISTRY

0 1 JUN 1990

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

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REGISTRY Action Taken

1359

The first reactions in Hong Kong show that the news of the passing

of the second reading of the Bill has been widely welcomed.

Groups and individuals, including "Honour Hong Kong" and "Hong Kong People Saving Hong Kong", the Senior ExCo Member Dame Lydia Dunn, campaigner Jack Edwards and LegCo member Mirian Lau all

welcomed the news of the vote.

CHINESE REACTION: NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY CONDEMNATION OF BILL

—

We have taken pains to explain to the Chinese our reasons for

introducing these proposals, and believe that they will in time come

to accept them as a sincere contribution to Hong Kong's successful transition to Chinese sovereignty.

In the Government's view the Bill does not contravene the Joint

Declaration or the associated exchange of memoranda. Nothing in the

British memorandum precludes the Government from granting full British citizenship to anyone in Hong Kong. Indeed, far from being

contrary to the Joint Declaration the Government's measures are

fully consistent with our obligation under the Declaration to

maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

FABAKG