Annex I
UMELCO's further views on the U.K. Green Paper on British Nationality Law
UMELCO's view is that the application of the
two-tier system to Hong Kong British. subjects is
unacceptable. This is not only because it is in itself
discriminatory and would confirm publicly that such
people are second class citizens but also because it would
focus attention on the approach of the end of the New
Territories lease. As Hong Kong cannot become independent,
this would seriously undermine both internal and external
confidence in Hong Kong.
2:
UMELCO therefore consider that the two-tier
concept of citizenship must be firmly opposed and that the
Government should do all it can to convince Her Majesty's
Government that the present arrangements whereby Hong Kong
British subjects hold the status of Citizens of United Kingdom and Colonies should continue. (Her Majesty's Government should also be invited to consider changing the
word "Colonies" to "Dependencies" in this context.)
3.
(a)
UMELCO note that :
the present holders of Hong Kong British
Passports no longer have the right of entry
to the U.K.;
(b) prior to 1960 such persons had such a right
of entry but subsequently unilaterally and
without consultation such right had been
abrogated by Her Majesty's Government;