CONFIDENTIAL
kr. down!
Thurgh
Mon9
NATIONALITY LAW BRIEFING FOR LPS
(9 June)
UK/Hong Kong Relations General : Other issues
Nationality Law
London/Hong Kong air services route.
Re-negotiation of the DCA.
MFA.
34011
HKK 340
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 16 JUN 1980
DESK OFFICER INDEX
PA
REGISTRY Action Taken
They are asked
Hong Kong's feeling of double standards by HMG. to cooperate on, eg, Iran sanctions and Olympic Games, as an off-shoot of the UK. But in at other respects, particularly nationality, the tendency is to treat them as foreigners.
Attitudes on Nationality Law
AN 16/6
These tinged by resentment at earlier Immigration Acts on which Hong Kong were not consulted. Although it is acknowledged that the Nationality Law does not alter immigration legislation, there is a suspicion that one purpose is to make it easier for the UK to refuse admission later on humanitarian grounds if China took over Hong Kong. But the main concern is a suspicion that Britain's general political commitment to Hong Kong weakening.
Hong Kong position
Their maximum demand has been for the retention of the present position, ie CUKC.
The Secretary of State expressed sympathy with the idea of retaining as much link aspossible between Hong Kong and the UK. Hong Kong's second point has been for 3 rather than 2 categories of citizenship. This has been conceded.
FCO position
We accept the Home Office's view that there should be change. But there is a strong case for a title for Dependent Territories' citizens emphasising the connection with Britain. 'British Subject' would do this and would also retain its similarity with the previous title. Without it, 'British Dependent Territories Citizen' is likely to be unacceptable to Hong Kong and to other Dependent Territories. If the Home Secretary will not accept this now we would need to continue the argument in the Home Affairs Committee.
Butish Subject: Hory Kay Citizen
(difto with Pety)
/Consultation with
Hong Kong
CONFIDENTIAL'
UNTIL
EXEMPT
38....