2
.
The Bill proposes that Citizens of the British Dependent
Territories be in future called precisely that. We realise that it is the
change in title which people find worrying, because they do not recognise
the necessity for change.
We
Under the proposals of the present Bill the rights of movement
enjoyed by Hong Kong belongers as Citizens of the British Dependent
Territories will be no different from those they have at present.
certainly accept that there is a case for changes in the Bill to bring it
into line with previous practice recognising services rendered to the Crown.
As the Bill progresses through the Committee we will be able to apply what
we have learned here in forming judgments on matters affecting Hong Kong.
We greatly sympathise with the view frequently expressed to
us that it is important for Hong Kong belongers to enjoy proper international
recognition and treatment and we shall impress this point on H.M. Government.
British diplomatic missions will have a duty to provide full consular
protection to holders of CBDT passports.
We regret that the introduction into Parliament of the
Nationality Bill has occasioned doubts about the strength of the British
Government's continuing commitment to Hong Kong. We believe that it is the
wish of the British Government and people that the links between us should
be firmly maintained and on our return we shall call upon H.M. Government
to take every opportunity to demonstrate that this remains their policy.