TNAG-2935-FCO40-4210-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 148

1

In Pficits

Goodled

to note

I/NB to them to be civited

Рем

to sit i

From:

G. 28/6

Helen Noble

APS/Baroness Chalker

1th D

2.6 quarta like to be around

2816

Extn:

917 0409

Date:

Then of Cordert wees

Lal b.

23 June 1993

CC.

Newt Shrids Nie wie Lul Wen,

می

C27/6

PS

PS/PUS

Sir J Coles

Mr Ricketts,

Hong Kong Dept Spare

PS/Mr Goodlad

HONG KONG: ENQUIRY FROM FIELD MARSHALL THE LORD BRAMALL

1. Field Marshall The Lord Bramall has expressed to Lady Chalker his concern about our policy on Hong Kong. He is very worried about allegations that our position is not consistent with the Basic Law and is concerned that our current stance might give the Chinese the excuse to break the provisions of the Basic Law in future.

2.

Lord Bramall is also concerned about the fate of the approximately 7,000 non-British and non-Chinese citizens of Hong Kong (mainly Indians who are long-standing residents), who will find themselves stateless and without passports after 1997. Lord Bramall believes LegCo feel very strongly about this group. He thinks that something should be done for them and their fate made clear before 1997.

3. Lady Chalker wonders whether Mr Goodlad would be prepared to meet Lord Bramall, possibly with Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, to explain our Hong Kong policy and answer these points of concern. (I realise that the second issue is a matter for the Home Office, and Mr Goodlad may wish to suggest that Lord Bramall speak to Lord Ferrers). If you can let me know whether Mr Goodlad is content to take on such a meeting, I can get in touch with Lord Bramall to make arrangements.

Helen Noble

Helen Noble

Assistant Private Secretary to Baroness Chalker