CONFIDENTIAg
the United Kingdom in September and Mr Woodfield's recent
visit to Hong Kong, and after further discussion with the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, it is now thought that
Hong Kong recognises the need for a common colonial status.
Their main concern seems to be that their passports should
contain words to show that they are members of a British
Colony, and that the title 'Hong Kong' should also appear
on it.
Accordingly, they are, as will be seen from the
photocopy of the cover and first page of a Hong Kong pass-
port attached, asking for something very close to what is
Containing passport shell contain the
a
issued at the moment, ie the
with
words 'Hong Kong' on the cover and on page one; the
made exhortation to allow free passage shall in the name of
and not the Governor rethether (as it is on passports issued in
with
the United Kingdom) the Secretary of State; and at the
national status and the name of the Colony shall be shown
on page one.
Comments on the Various Titles Suggested
6. The various titles which have been suggested by Hong
Kong people and others, are as follows:-
(a) Citizen of the United Kingdom Colonies [sic_7
(b) Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies (Hong Kong
(c) Citizen of a United Kingdom Colony (Hong Kong)
The objection to these titles is that they would cause
confusion with the present citizenship which it is our
- 3.