CONFIDENTIAL
3
would make for the UK would not be materially reduced by its
introduction by administrative arrangement in passports rather than
in the Bill itself.
Bearing in mind these problems, which NTD believe
-
are major, and the fact that the reasons advanced by the Unofficials
for introduction of the title to confirm that their position as
UK Nationals in the specialised international law sense is not
changed by the Bill, that they will continue to receive consular
protection, and the immigration position into third countries have
now been answered by Ministers, there seems no case for making this
change. If a further Ministerial statement is necessary no doubt
it could be arranged; but as the Home Secretary has indicated it
poses as many problems as it answers. There have been repeated
references in Committee from all sides to the dangers associated with
the term 'nationals' in normal usage. A rational explanation to
Hong Kong why this is so is possible.
8.
NTD's views notwithstanding, I feel the political case for return-
ing to the charge with Mr Whitelaw is overwhelming.
14 May 1981
7. Morrice
P Morrice
Hong Kong and General Department
cc: PS/Mr Blaker
PS/Mr Luce
Mr Adams
Mr Jones, NTD
Mr Rushford, Legal Advisers
1.
The Home Secretary's response is disappointing.
It is a pity
that he has reverted to the ''awkward questions'' which will arise
! T
in the event of an emergency involving expulsion from their country
of residence''
This is a clear reference to some kind of Chinese
CONFIDENTIAL
/takeover