Britain and Hong Kong
Sir: Congratulations on a very reasoned leader about the attitude of the British Government towards the Hong Kong Chinese (13 May).
Regretfully reason and racism do not mix, for it is surely racism that motivates the Government. Let me tell you about a common situation to prove my point. I am managing director of a Hong Kong com- pany that does a considerable amount of business with the United Kingdom. I am also a fourth-generation Australian, so my ties with Britain are somewhat tenuous to say the least. If I wish to see my clients, I board a plane in Hong Kong with the minimum of fuss and enter without any problems.
Not so my `slitty-eyed' Hong Kong-born manager. Before he can even leave, the company must provide a letter to the Immigration Department that it will guarantee all costs of the visit. We then have to ask our bankers to provide a letter advising our creditworthiness.
Upon arrival in Britain he is then subject to an interrogation that would have done the Gestapo proud.
Not only my manager, but all my Chinese friends, who consider themselves loyal British subjects, believe Britain has not been loyal to them in return. As you say, it should lose no time in doing so. Ian G. Green
19 Lam Fling Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
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