ESSENTIAL FACTS
CONFIDENTIAL
3.
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 07 AUG 1981
DESK OFFICER INDEX
PA
REGISTRY Action Taken
1. It is possible that Sir Lawrence Kadoorie will be introduced into the House of Lords in time to speak for Hong Kong at the Report Stage of the Nationality Bill.
Hong Kong criticised the Nationality Bill and sought concessions in it. HMG made certain amendments to the Bill to meet some of Hong Kong's points. HMG have also given repeated assurances that the Bill does not affect the UK's present relationship with Hong Kong.
3. In particular, the Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils in Hong Kong (UMELCO) argued for a change in the nomenclature of 'Citizen of the British Dependent Territories' in order to underline Hong Kong's
UMELCO British connection, e.g. British (Hong Kong) Citizen. agreed subsequently not to press for a change on these lines in the face of the Home Office's opposition. The position was reached therefore when Hong Kong, albeit reluctantly, accepted the Bill.
4. However, on 22 July the Lords voted in favour of an amendment to the Bill which would give Gibraltarians, because of their EC connection, the right to become British citizens. HMG opposed the amendment on the grounds that the EC relation- ship should not affect our Nationality Law and that Gibaltar should not be treated differently from the other Dependent Territories. It is probable that a decision by HMG on what to do about the vote in the Lords will not be taken until after the summer recess.
5. The Gibraltar amendment has revived interest in Hong Kong with a view to their obtaining compensating concessions, e.g. the change in nomenclature. For the moment however UMELCO have agreed to hold their hand pending developments on the matter.
CONFIDENTIAL
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