TNAG-2639-FCO40-3831-Future-of-Hong-Kong-British-nationality-dependants-1992 — Page 63

JUSE HONG KONG.

THU 28 MAY 92 10:05

PG.02

RESTRICTEO

Mr. Goodled's meeting with the Liberal

Democratic Foundation

2

(26)

27 May 1992.

ExCo-LegCo Relationship

5.

Mr. McGregor said that he believed it was mistake to break off relations with the United Democrats and drive them into opposition. He thought that it should be possible to appoint two or three members of the UDHK to ExCo. It should not be beyond the wit of man to find a solution to the problem of collective responsibility. Dr. Leong emphasised that collective responsibility would always be difficult for elected members to accept.

$.

Mr. Goodlad took note. This would to some extent be a question of chemistry with the next Governor. He had no doubt that Mr. Patten would try to reach a solution acceptable to the widest possible number of people.

British Nationality Act: Children born before 1981

7.

Dr. Leong enquired about progress. His current estimate of numbers was about 140 families affected, and some 200 children. He understood that many of these had petitioned the Home Office. Mr. Goodlad read out the relevant part of Mr. Wardle's letter of 22 May, emphasising that so far the Home office were offering a case-by-case consideration, but on a sympathetic basis. Dr. Leong said that this was a good start but clearly preferred a blanket agreement if possible. He undertook to let us have further data about the families who had made representations to the Home office. Mr. Goodlad undertook to go back to the Home Office on the issue.

Defence Lands

8.

Mr. McGregor said that there was now widespread acceptance that the PLA would be based in Hong Kong after 1997. A visible presence of PLA troops even before 1997 might be helpful. He would not want to see serious problems arising with the Chinese on this issue by unilateral action on the defence estate. Mr. Goodlad took note of this idea.

Chinese Recognition of LegCo

9.

Mr. McGregor suggested that there should be some official body representing Hong Kong who could negotiate with the Chinese on specific issues. They remained unwilling to deal with Legco.

AND 126/15 340/6

03 JUN 1992

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