11
7.5 Furthermore the treatment of the East African Asians, who were forced to flee
Uganda, by the British Government of the day is a worrying precedent and is a
warning against reliance upon such an assurance.
8.
Conclusion
8.1
8.2
Over the last 150 years of British colonial rule, the Indians and the ethnic
minorities have made important contributions to the success and prosperity of
Hong Kong. They have made British Hong Kong their home and they have no
other. With the transfer of sovereignty on 1st July, 1997, the Indians look to
the British Government to honour their moral and legal responsibility towards
them. Hitherto, the British Government has failed to do so. The Indians and
the other affected minorities seek full British citizenship as this alone provides
the safety net necessary to enable them to have the confidence to remain in
Hong Kong after 1997. To many, Chinese nationality, even if available after
1997 (which is uncertain), is not a viable alternative.
The numbers involved are very small, being ultimately between 5,500 to 6,500.
Granting these people full British citizenship will not set a precedent as their
position is unique. Furthermore, granting full British citizenship will not result
in an influx of these people into the United Kingdom. These people want to
remain in Hong Kong after 1997. Left without this minimum guarantee, these
people will have little option but to seek residence outside Hong Kong, if they
are able to do so. There is unanimous support for this grant. It would be
regrettable if the last days of British colonial rule in Hong Kong was
characterized by a lack of generosity and shame. Refusing these ethnic
minorities their right to full British citizenship would result in this.
INDIAN RESOURCES GROUP
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.