TNAG-2355-FCO40-3426-Visit-by-Douglas-Hurd--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Co-1991 — Page 149

BULL POINTS

LIEU S

HKD 026

Nationality

-

Nationality scheme was over 50% oversubscribed for the

first tranche: 65,723 applications for 43,250 places.

-

Scheme is transparent so people could work out their own

scores. It appears only those with a good chance of success have actually applied.

- We are confident that the scheme has successfully

targetted key people whose presence there is essential for the future success of the territory.

-

Announcement of scheme at a time when confidence in

Hong Kong was at a low ebb undoubtedly had a stabilising effect on public mood, and also helped encourage other governments to provide similar assurance for Hong Kong

people.

PADS

-

Project has HMG's full backing.

-

New international airport essential if Hong Kong is to

continue as an international trade and financial centre.

Everyone agrees about this including the Chinese.

-

We are confident that in the course of the present discussions Hong Kong Government will be able to convince the Chinese of the financial viability of the project.

Democracy

In September Hong Kong people will for the first time be

MTHATW/1

VAS

30