ти
Willfamson
• Clift f..
ти
Mr Towner (N & TD)
NATIONALITY BILL:
1.
2.
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference.
fence p
Toumer'
34-2 below.
пний
fihtome 1188.h
G Mr.
reply
346
47 18/8/81
CITIZENSHIP OF THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
Your minute of 12/August refers.
47
The problem arises with those territories which are likely to remain colonies longest and which feel most 'British'. The chief of these would be St Helena, followed at some distance by the Caymans. The rest are less affected. Whereas all dependent territories would be attracted to a greater or lesser degree by the possibility of their citizens being able to apply for British citizenship, I think only St Helena would see the advantage in terms of a migration outlet. In the long term there is likely to be more desire to leave the Island to seek work elsewhere and freeer access to Britain (at present discourage by the unskilled quota minimum age limit of 23) would be a significant safety valve. As you know, the Governments of St Helena and the Falklands are still discussing the terms of an arrangement to provide jobs for St Helenians in the Falklands and if the Falkland Islanders were also to be given the right to full British citizenship, then pressure from St Helena would be greater.
17 August 1981
M L H Hope
West Indian and Atlantic Department G 122/3
233 4180
copied to:
Mr Hunt
(SED)
Mr McQuade (HKGD)
Mr Bright (SAMD)
HKCX-340/
нки
صل
CODE 18-77
CONFIDENTIAL
100 411