TNAG-2939-FCO40-4215-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 18

E.R.

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o generations abroad. In addition the Nationality Scheme was

open to all in Hong Kong whatever their ethnic background and the

Government had given as clear an undertaking as possible that

admission to

to the United Kingdom would be permissible in an

emergency.

Α

4.

Mr Young said that he had a specific concern relating to the

Nationality Scheme. He understood that a successful applicant

would be given a specific date by which time he or she would have

to obtain a full British passport. Whilst he accepted the

necessity of this he wanted to ask that this date should be as

far in the future as was felt possible. His reason for this was

that many people felt that they could face discrimination and he

highlighted Chinese laws which limited the number of non-Chinese

nationals who were able to hold positions of authority.

Mr Walmsley and Mr Kelly were aware of these laws, but said that

the commencement order Mr Young referred to would not be set up

until discussions with the Chinese authorities were completed,

and his concerns would be taken into consideration before a date

was set. Mr Wardle offered to write to Mr Young to clarify this

issue (Mr Walmsley to deal please).

CC

Rames

DAVID BARNES

Assistant Private Secretary

Miss Hellmuth

Mr Langdon

Mr Rawsthorne

Mr Warmsley

Mr Yates

Mr Kelly

Mr Ruffley

Mr Thomas

Ms Barnes-Jones (FCO)