U.K. politicians face Hong Kong resentment

Press, 11 May 1989, Page 12

U.K. politicians face Hong Kong resentment

By

STEVE VINES,

Observer News Service, Hong Kong

British members of Parliament visiting Hong Kong have been taken aback by the degree of resentment over . Whitehall’s immigration policy for citizens of its last remaining major colony. After almost a week of being bombarded by representations on the unfairness of British policy towards the passportholders in the colony, members of a House of Commons foreign affairs Select Committee were visibly moved by what is clearly an overwhelming feeling of unfairness. David Howell, the committee chairman, told the “Observer”:

“None of us could have been deaf or blind to the strength of feeling” on the issue of immigration. He said he recognised that it was creating “some bitterness” in Hong Kong. Apparently members of the committee have told Hong Kong Government officials that their report will recommend the granting of the right of abode to senior civil servants who have a long service record in the British administration. They are also likely to urge the Government to end the longrunning dispute over passports for widows of British servicemen

killed during the Second World War. M.P.s who attended public hearings and private meetings in Hong Kong said they face stiff criticism of Britain’s unwillingness to accept Hong Kong people. The passport issue is hardly new but the presence of the British M.P.s in Hong Kong seems to have crystallised resentment in an extraordinary way. Mr Howell said: “The intensity with which the nationality issue has been advanced is much greater than I expected.” Copyright — London Observer Service.