Mr Donald
Dopald
RECEIVER
CONFIDENTIAL
HKK 340/1i
**Y NO. 51
2 3 MAR 1981
DESK OFFICER INDEX
REGISTRY
PA
Acton Texan
11.4
50
(148
NATIONALITY BILL
1. Hong Kong Telegram No 295. I have discussed with Mr Jones the question put in paragraph 4 as to whether it would be possible for Unofficials to comment on the wording of amendments. There may be difficulty about getting a detailed endorsement from Hong Kong of texts which are to be put to Parliament, Even granted that EXCO is a pretty secure body, there could be problems over parliamentary privilege. Moreover, we need to avoid cutting across any discussions between the Home Secretary and Lord Carrington.
2. On the other hand, it clearly is important that the Unofficials should know more precisely than they do at present what is being suggested, particularly on Crown Service where the Governor has had to leave a good deal in the hands of the Home Office. I hope that when we get the Home Office's preliminary proposals on texts (probably towards the end of this week), we shall be able to authorise the Governor to inform EXCO of the substance of what is proposed. Until we have a clear picture of the next move by the Home Office, however, I do not think we need reply to Hong Kong's telegram.
Bij
17 March 1981
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
се
Mr Adams
Mr Jones, NTD
agree.
I
J
поре
we
can prevail
to
the tome office to
let us send texts
to Hong Kong before the final acceptance
of anything by Lord Carrington. This should
since both Ministers undentand
be posible suice
Sir Murray's predicament
Mr. Cupo
$13
in Stony Kong But keep in touch wightste Home office.
CONFIDENTIAL
with his people
Artmald
1873