288
AKK 340
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
JUN 1981
Поё
DESK OFFICER
ANDEX
PA
CONFIDENTIAL
REGISTRY Action Taken
مد
fiso PLO 16/2
Mr Paterson
Nationality & Treaty Department
(CL 501)
278
NATIONALITY BILL: HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO 549
1. I can see the difficultiy of replying otherwise than in paragraph 1 of your draft telegram. It does, however, worry me that the impression is given that the preferential treatment accorded to British Citizens in foreign countries might in fact be increased vis-à-vis their counterparts in Dependent Territories if the demands of the lobbyists are met.
2. At the least I think we should reassure Hong Kong that we are drawing the Home Office's attention forcibly to the anomaly. I suggest the addition of the following words at the end of paragraph 1:
'We are drawing their attention to the fact that any concessions to British Citizens living in foreign countries would exacerbate an existing
anomaly and would probably lead to counter protests.'
3. I would be grateful if, in addition, a copy of Hong Kong telegram No 549 could go to the Home Office under cover of a letter on the lines of the attached draft.
Dist
916187
R D Clift
Hong Kong and General Department
CONFIDENTIAL