TNAG-2638-FCO40-3830-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1992 — Page 93

CONFIDENTIAL

5. The Government of India have generally kept a low profile over the issue, saying that the problem is one for the UK to resolve. However following the Secretary of State's meeting with the Indian President in April 1990 the

Indians told a press conference that the President had

expressed serious concern to the Secretary of State over the

future of Hong Kong residents of Indian origin who would be

left stateless after 1997. In fact the matter was not

mentioned. The subject may become a domestic issue in

Indian politics as 1997 approaches, but we judge that it

would be counter productive to ask the Indians to provide right of abode assurances to Indians in Hong Kong, (this

would simply draw unwelcome attention to our immigration policy towards the sub-continent). However the question of

dual citizenship for Indians abroad remains under

consideration by the GOI. If they choose to permit it this could help the Hong Kong Indians.

JH2AAX/2

CONFIDENTIAL