(463
2/11
ник 340/1
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
*.
20V 1981
DESK OFFICER
SECRET
REGISTRY Action Taken
Pic.
Land Dany Jea
PS/LPS
INDEX
PA
1
1602/11
Drops Deligrom O.th.
Ala
29.10.
450
A,
451
451
462A
BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW: HONG KONG
Problem
1.
1450
To reply to the message to the Lord Privy Seal from the Governor
of Hong Kong in Hong Kong Telegram Numbers 973 and 974.
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that the LPS telegraph to the Governor on the lines
of the attached draft. NTD and FED agree.
Background
See 1464
3.
Clearly under considerable pressure from Unofficial Members of
the Executive and Legislative Councils (UMELCO), the Governor prompted
Sir Paul Bryan to seek assurances about the future status of British
Dependent Territory Citizens if their home territories ceased to be
British. Sir Paul spoke on the general lines of Hong Kong Telegram
Number 974 during the Debate on 27 October.
4.
We had agreed with Home Office officials a draft statement to be
made by the Home Secretary. In the event, Mr Whitelaw did not use
this but agreed to write to Sir Paul Bryan. Home Office officials
have submitted a draft for this purpose to Mr Whitelaw on the lines
attached. We have not yet had confirmation that Mr Whitelaw has sent
the letter but he is expected to do so shortly.
Argument
5.
Meanwhile, we need to get a reply to the Governor from the LPS
by the morning of 30 October by which time the Nationality Bill should
have completed its passage through both the Commons and Lords and
only be waiting for the Royal Assent. The message needs:
SECRET
/a)