TNAG-2940-FCO40-4216-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-ethnic-minorities-1993 — Page 61

13-MAY-15.83 11:17

B4 IND LIVERPOOL

Debbie

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Kelly say "yes" ox. I am w

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From: C J Kelly

B4 Division

India Buildings GTN 4126-309

May 1993

off. Can you let

you

me know When the

way is clear to proceed please

Clinis.

44 051 205 3386

P.01

pa

SA

Mr Langdon

Mr Rawsthorne

Mr Walmsley Mr Whalley Mrs Keswick Mr Ruffley Mr Thomas

1.

2.

Mr Barnes

Miss Walker

LEGCO DEPUTATION

BRITISH NATIONALITY FOR ETHNIC MINORITIES IN HONG KONG

My submission of 5 May about ethnic minorities in Hong Kong mentioned that LegCo were planning to send a deputation here in June to press the case for granting British citizenship to this group of Hong Kong citizens. (Their agenda may also include the British Nationality Scheme and British citizenship for the wives and widows of ex-servicemen). I have now been informed that the delegation has decided to visit on 15/16 June and the Foreign Office would like to settle on who is to see them.

The last time LegCo visited, in January, they discussed the issue separately with the Foreign Secretary, Mr Goodlad and Mr Wardle. The Government's position was rehearsed and they were given no encouragement to take the issue any further, but they continue to press the matter. The Foreign Office and I wonder whether on this occasion they ought to be seen by the Home Secretary.

The advantage we would hope to see from this would be that it would help to bring LegCo's campaign to a conclusion, one way or the other. If there is to be any movement in their favour this might be a suitable occasion on which tu give some indication of that. If, however, the existing position is to be adhered to, then it might help to kill off further pressure if that message comes from the Home Secretary, who has lead responsibility for If he did agree to see them then the Foreign Inaven't the subject.

Secretary would not be invited to do so. I 'recard.

X

Mr Goodlad now agrees with the view expressed in Mr Wardle's recent letter that no response should be made to LegCo until after the deputation has visited. He will take a holding line when he visits Hung Kuny at the end of this month.

I should be grateful to know if Ministers agree to the suggestion that the Home Secretary receive the deputation.

HKD 346/6

RECE

1 2 MAY 1993

CJ KELLY

TOTAL P.01