G.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL # 機密
XCC(81)20
Publicity
Page
11
30
While, therefore, it is not proposed to initiate any further publicity at this stage, the particular concerns summarised in paragraph 29 above should be borne in mind in answering any questions from the press and the public on this subject. It is recommended that the line should be that the Bill reflects the British Government's desire to update its nationality law, that assurances have been given of the continuing constitutional relationship with Hong Kong and that Hong Kong's views on the Bill have been, and will continue to be, represented to the British Government through various channels.
Summary
31
The following possible amendments to the Bill have been considered in this memorandum :
(a)
to include Hong Kong and other Dependent Territories in British Citizenship (para- graph 6 and Annex B);
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
subject to the outcome of discussions by the Governor in the UK, to add "Hong Kong" to the amendment which has already been moved in Committee to Clause 46 of the Bill (paragraph 9);
to give CBDTs the right to register as British citizens after five years' residence in the UK (paragraph 12 and Annex D);
as an alternative to (c), to permit CBDTs to register as British Citizens after three years' residence and meeting other requirements (paragraph 13 and Annex E);
failing (c) or (d), to reduce the residential qualifications for naturalisation as British citizens from five to three years for CBDTs (paragraph 14 and Annex F);
to make better provision for the acquisition of citizenship by reason of marriage (paragraphs 16 and 17 Annex G);
to have Crown service (past and present) under the Hong Kong Government rendered by Unofficials and officials accepted as an alternative to the residence requirement for the purpose of naturalisa- tion as British Citizens (paragraphs 18 to 19 and Annex H);
CONFIDENTIAL ##
機密