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with the Foreign Secretary. If I have nothing new to say when I visit Hong Kong at the end of next week, the Government will look feeble.
5.
This is a classic case of a small issue which has been whipped up by the Hong Kong media and is now being used as a litmus test of HMG's willingness to make an effort on behalf of Hong Kong. It is particularly important at present to build up Chris Patten's authority in the Territory: showing that he carries weight and can get results in London will be helpful.
6. The immigration implications are minimal: only 220 or so individuals are concerned, most of whom will wish to stay in Hong Kong anyway, provided they have the insurance policy of full British citizenship.
7. If the children's parents had not already had British Citizenship, many of them would no doubt have applied and qualified under the Nationality Scheme, and all their children would then have automatically received British Citizenship. So this really is an absurd anomaly: we should end it now.
8. As I mentioned to you, I shall be leaving for Hong Kong on Thursday 3 September and will be publicly pressed about the matter the following week. If Kenneth was able to give a favourable decision early I shall be mightily obliged.
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ALASTAIR GOODLAD
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