མ་པ་བས་བཀ་ག
:
Continuation 1
I hope therefore that you won't think me tiresome if I ask that some thought be given during the Recess to the possibility of doing something either as suggested in my Question or otherwise to improve the citizenship position of the Falklanders. For although even if Bruce's Bill gets through the Lords in the "spillover" it would not seem to have much chance of also passing the Commons in the limited time available, it would, I am sure you will also feel, put the Government presentationally in a somewhat embarrassing position to appear to be denying rights to people who attract at present very widespread sympathy and
concern.
If
May I also say that I was a little puzzled by Elton's statement at col.355 of the Official Report, House of Lords, for 29th July, "I think that I have made the case that every citizen of the Falkland Islands will either become a British citizen automatically on 1st January next year or have the opportunity so to do if they wish." this is an accurate statement of the position under the British Nationality Act, I would agree that it would go a considerable way towards meeting feelings on this subject, but I must confess I am not at all clear in my own mind as to whether the expression "a British citizen" means a citizen of the United Kingdom or relates only to the second category of citizen of a British Dependent Territory.
The purpose of this letter as I hope I have above indicated is to seek to avoid a tiresome and embarrassing issue arising in October. I am sending a copy of it to Rodney Elton and to our Chief Whip.
The Rt. Hon. William Whitelaw,
CI, MC, DL MP,
Secretary of State,
Home Office,
50 Queen Anne's Gate,
LONDON SWII 9AT.
"Jolen
CC:
The Lord Elton, TD
Home Office
The Rt. Hon. Lord Denham
Ilouse of Lords
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