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5.
2
It was agreed that a telegram would be drafted to be sent to Hong Kong and Peking to get a view on this point. The Governor should be able to give a reply by the evening of 17 March. Mr Luce raised the question of provision for Dependent Territory Crown Servants. Mr Edward Lyons had already asked him why Hong Kong employed Crown Servants were excluded from naturalisation. Mr Jones and Sir M MacLehose pointed out that a new situation had arisen in that naturalisation for Dependent Territory Citizens was a new concept. Previously, they had been citizens of the UK and Colonies and had not needed naturalisation. Sir M MacLehose explained the proposals which he intended to put to the Home Office. Mr Luce pointed out that there was a considerable criticism of any widening of the Home Secretary's discretion. Sir M MacLehose said what was important was not to exclude Hong Kong Crown Servants as the Bill at present did. It was a matter of keeping up morale now not of a long-term crisis situation.
6. Mr Luce pointed out that the Hong Kong case would have to be very carefully presented in Committee and on the floor of the House. Timing of tactics in presenting amendments would also have to be carefully arranged in order to avoid losing the sympathy of the House. Sir M MacLehose asked what would be the latest time that amendments could be introduced. Mr Luce said this could be done in the report stage which would probably be reached about May. It would be better to make most amendments in Select Committee although some might be kept in reserve for a later stage.
Distribution:
Private Secretary
PS/PUS
PS/Mr Luce
PS/Mr Blaker
Sir E Youde
Mr Donald
Mr Adams
Mr Clift, HKGD
Mr Jones, NTD
Governor, Hong Kong
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