COND IDUNTIAT
7. There is a further danger in the proposals. Certain governments, particularly those in East Africa, might assume that the proposals would affect our acceptance of British passport holders in accordance with the voucher scheme. They might therefore be tempted to hasten the departure of such people or even in some cases to expel them. Likewise the British passport holders themselves could take fright and attempt to enter the United Kingdom without vouchers. However, this problem can be dealt with by giving adequate assurances both to governments and publicly that the obligations we have assumed in relation to East African Asians will not be affected.
CONSULTATIONS WITH COLONIAL AND COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENTS
8. Unless the Government take a firm decision to introduce a
Bill in the next session of Parliament, it would be better to delay publication of a consultative document until a date for legislation has been fixed. To stir up controversy and to unsettle large numbers of United Kingdom nationals overseas and several colonial and Commonwealth Governments, without sub- sequently proceeding to legislation, would give us the worst of
all worlds.
9. A firm commitment was given early in 1976 that any proposals made would be communicated through Governors to Colonial Governments before publication. Similarly it is very important that Commonwealth and certain foreign governments should be made aware of the main proposals before publication here. High Commissioners were authorized last year to say to ministers or senior officials, in reply to enquiries, that we would consult Commonwealth Governments before any proposals were made public. Governors and High Commissioners were told that we should send advance copies of any consultative document to them to enable them to conduct consultation properly.
10. It is highly desirable that, if there is a consultative document, the full text should be made available to Colonial and Commonwealth Governments, together with our explanations, shortly before publication here. This would require about one month from the time that supplies of the Green Paper are
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