TNAG-2638-FCO40-3830-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1992 — Page 53

1992-11-19 17:33 SECURITY BRANCH

852 868 5074 F.06

IMG

er significant number of Hong Kong people who have been given this are those under the British Nationality Scheme. It is indeed clear from many comments that some sort of provision in, or similar to, the British Nationality Scheme is what the ethnic minorities are really after here. believes that, with the agreement on right of abode contained in the Joint Declaration and the assurances covering statelessness and the position of solely British nationals faced with pressure to leave Hong Kong, it has made fair provision for this group. Members of the minority communities who meet the criteria set out in the Selection Scheme Order 1990 are of course, able to apply for British Citizenship under the scheme in the same way as other Hong Kong residents. I am sure some have.

Thus both we and the British Government have fully

and adequately considered the position of the ethnic minorities. I have every confidence that the Joint Declaration remains the surest base for the future of Hong

Kong and I am satisfied that we have taken adequate measures to safeguard the interests of all the people of the territory.

The question of British nationality is a matter for the UK Government which has made its position clear. I must advise that I consider it unlikely that further concessions will be forthcoming. Nevertheless, I recognize

the depth of concern that underlies the desire to keep trying.