LETTERS The right thing
Sir: In the context of both Government and Opposition agreeing to reject Governor Patten's call for the people of Hong Kong to be given the right of abode here, the point does not appear to have been made or given sufficient prominence that Hong Kong is the first British colony which is ceasing to be a colony otherwise than through its inhabitants' free choice. Previ- ous colonies in the third world became independent states by their own free choice, (only Bermuda and the Falklands so far preferring to remain within the fold). When they became independent, their peo- ple continued to be permitted to come and live here.
Knocking at the door now are people to whom we indisputably do have a moral obligation, since far from having the oppor- tunity to become an independent state, their country is about to be handed over to a regime known to be the most efficient and ruthless suppressor of human rights in the world. Comparisons are odious, but it could scarcely be contended that immi- grants from Hong Kong would be likely to make a less valuable contribution to the host nation than those who have already settled here.
It is a sad comment on the state of our country as the second millennium following the birth of Christ draws to an end that both main parties see it as electoral suicide to pro- pose doing the right thing.
John West
5 Fountain Court, Birmingham
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