one generation only and the narrow limitation of the

Crown Servants' definition (for example, some of the

British Council staff whom you exclude actually hold

diplomatic rank in our Missions).

7. There is, in addition, the problem of UKPH,

including those from East Africa to whom it is not

intended to give British citizenship because "the

resulting immigration commitment would be quite un-

acceptable". This is a delicate issue for the FCO,

particularly since there are differences of opinion over

the extent of HMG's commitment to UKPH. I understand

from discussions between our officials that the special

voucher scheme for them is to continue but we should

like an assurance on this and details of the criteria

that would be applied for the issue of vouchers after

the introduction of the Nationality Act.

8.

As all these issues need further consideration,

Lord Carrington suggests that senior officals of both

departments should meet as quickly as possible and that

they should report back to. Mr Whitelaw himself. It

might then be necessary for the two Ministers to

consult together before the paper goes to the Home

Affairs Committee. In these circumstances, it seems

doubtful whether the Home Office timetable can be met.

9. I am sending copies of this letter to the Private

Secretaries of State for Defence and for Northern

Ireland, the Attorney General, and (because there are

also staffing and expenditure implications for the

Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the introduction of

a new Nationality Act) the Minister of State at the

Civil Service Department and the Financial Secretary.

CONFIDENTIAL

7447 1073840 101M 8/74 Cr.P.C. 839/3

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