TNAG-2198-FCO40-3152-Hong-Kong-nationality-spouses-and-widows-of-British-expatria-1990 — Page 132

Whilst the "provision" referred to by the Home Secretary was no doubt an attempt in good faith to provide adequate assurance to those of us in

is positon we are afraid that it will most likely have a counter productive effect. Whilst many families in this positon have already made the decision to return to Britain in recent years, many of us have remained in the hope that some real, irrevocable and totally reliable assurance would be given to us. Now that we know that this is not the case we know that more and more of us will reach the reluctant conclusion that, for our families' sake, the risks are not worth taking, and that hence a growing number of families will return to Britain over the next few years.

6. What is the effect of our departure-

on Hong Kong

There are no official statistics for the precise number of families in our position. However we estimate that there may be something in the order of 500 such families. In very approximate terms the occupations of the British citizens in question might be as follows:

Professions/commerce -300 or so

Royal Hong Kong Police Force -100 or so Hong Kong Government -100 or SO

pare guesses

Even if our estimates are inaccurate it is unlikely that there would be more than 1000 families affected by these circumstances.

In nearly all cases the position occupied by the British citizen would be a senior managerial one in his/her respective field. Typically we have lived here for several years. In many cases we work for British companies or have close ties with Britain in our employment. Cumulatively we represent a very considerable amount of skill and experience.

The return of such families to Britain will accordingly have the following effect:

i) Our departure will add yet further to the already serious drain of talented and experienced people, so sorely needed for Hong Kong's future.

ii) Our departure will add yet further to the decline in British interests in Hong Kong. Already there are more Americans resident here than there are British. The decline in British talent and experience in Hong Kong (which is of course a major regional centre for the Asia Pacific region) can only be a negative factor.

iii) The continued departure of senior British expatriates will have a negative influence on confidence generally, both in the business sphere and amongst ordinary local people.

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