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A
B
They did not
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on
4. The March Legco debate passed a motion recommending granting full British nationality to members of ethnic
minorities and calling on the Hong Kong Government (HKG) to
make representations to HMG. The HKG undertook during the
debate to "put the case once more forcefully to the British
Government" and have now reported to us (Hong Kong telno 494) requesting a response to Legco's representations. Following the debate, the sub-committee has recommended sending a
delegation to the UK at the end of May "to urge HMG to fulfill
obligations to these people".
5.
Debate ran along well worn channels (official record attached). Evidently feeling vulnerable to accusations that
they were not supporting the majority view of Legco, HKG
officials voted for the motion (rather than abstaining as they
had previously intended and as they did last November).
6.
The HKG (Secretary for Security) reiterated the message
that the Home Office and we have been putting over for some
time to Legco representatives. The main points are as
follows: Parliament specifically considered the arguments on
behalf of this community in Hong Kong during the passage of
the British Nationality Scheme in 1990 (BNHKA), and concluded
that there was no case for special treatment under the BNHKA, nor for an exception to be made for them under the British
Nationality Act 1981. Their position in Hong Kong is secure
and their right of abode there is protected under the Joint
Declaration and Basic Law. Neither their children or
grandchildren will be stateles. Their eligibility for
consular protection continues. The British Government stands by its undertaking to consider their case for admission to the
United Kingdom with particular sympathy if, contrary to
expectation, they were in future to come under severe pressure
nat.ethnic.dbj
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