CONFIDENTIAL
BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL: HOUSE OF LORDS' LORD GEDDES' AMENDMENT
Need for Uniformity of Treatment of Dependent Territories
1.
Amendment would apply to all Dependent Territories and bring
the format of their citizenship title into line with the other
main categories.
HMG's Attitre
2. HMG welcome the opportunity at the same time to stress the
close connection between the United Kingdom and the Dependent
Territories.
Hong Kong
3. HMG are aware of Hong Kong's concern to underline their
links with the United Kingdom. HMG's commitment to maintain
these links often repeated.
Lord Kadoorie
4.
Remains strong as ever.
Congratulations on Lords Kadoorie's maiden speech.
Clear
exposition of Hong Kong's success and aspirations by a friend
of Hong Kong and Britain.
Concern about Hong Kong Residents if Territory ceases to be British (May be raised by Lord Kadoorie
5. In the first place no sudden change in Hong Kong's status likely.
In any case this Bill would in no way weaken HMG's commitment to
continue to protect people in Hong Kong. We shall, of course, ensure that their
interests are protected in the future. There would be no question
of any change in the status of BDTCs from Hong Kong without the
consent of Parliament.
CONFIDENTIAL