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DSR 11C
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CONFIDENTIAL
being admitted to
forming
It would of course be made clear that CBDTs were not forming
a
..branch...
of British Citizenship. (this wouldbe.
politically necessary-here).
3.
expect
We accopt, that if they agree this form of formula,
Home Office Ministers might prefer to omit the brackets
round the name of the territory in the alternative
designation. We are telegraphing Peking as to whether this
would cause difficulties with the Chinese Government.
4. Given the political and parliamentary constraints here
this solution seems a good deal for Hong Kong if we can
persuade Home Office Ministers to support it. The Lord
Privy Seal is writing to Mr Whitelaw on these lines.
proposal of
He will mention your preferenee for a 'British National'
formula and will explain your concerns fully. But he will
on balance suggest the solution in paragraph
5.
above.
The timing of the introduction of an amendment would
depend on the fate of the Gibraltar amendment and of any
consequential Falkland Islands amendment in Parliament.
If it becomes necessary it will of course be important to
avoid any wire crossing in the way of lobbying of Lords or
Commons Members. It would be particularly unfortunate
if a rival motion on 'British national' lines were
introduced since it would almost certainly be opposed by
HMG..
6.
+
Please take no action at this stage with EXCO. We will
telegraph when and i
if interdepartmental ministerial
agreement is reached,
Enable
to brily you
hern.
CONFIDENTIAL
89280 DJ 532113 200M 2/79 SIS