Mr Morice (HKGD)
6277
HKR 340/1
RECEIVES
- 5 JUN 1981
DESK OFFICER
MR3
PS/MTY
PS/Mr Luce
INDEX
PA
Acton Tekan
$8.6
NATIONALITY BILL: HONG KONG
1.
Thank you. The letter to Mr Kaisa
has been sent by hand. *
CC:
Sir E Youde
Mr Donald
Mr Adams
Mlickerd
3/
Mr Jones NTD
Pas 1016 * Amcended passage for insertion
agreed with NTD, Leg. Advisers: SEE over
I understand that Mr Luce may have the opportunity of making a
statement on Hong Kong this afternoon when the House considers the
amendments to Clause 4. I therefore attach a Speaking Note which is
based on the earlier assurances given by the Home Secretary.
MK 41.
2. According to NTD, it is the Home Secretary's intention during the
Third Reading Debate tomorrow to give the following reassurance by way
of explanation for the introduction of a separate category of 'Citizen
of the British Dependent Territories':-
'I do, however, want to stress yet again that the Bill in no way
alters the United Kingdom's special relationship with her dependencies.
Our moral and constitutional ties with them, both individual and
collective, remain as strong as ever.
?
3. This will be well received in Hong Kong but it does not go far
enough since no mention is made of the status of United Kingdom National
to which Hong Kong attach great importance. I suggest, therefore,
that Mr Luce ask the Home Secretary to add the following to his proposed
statement:-
280 4.
'I would add that the Citizens of British Dependent Territories of
course remain United Kingdom Nationals and, as such, will continue
to enjoy our protection in the sphere of international relations.'
I attach a draft letter to Mr Raison.
3 June 1981
f
Morrice
P Morrice
Hong Kong and General Department