CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET
DSR 11C
18.
A complicating factor is the possibility that an
amendment to the BNA 81 to be moved by Lord Bruce of Donnington
at the end of October may suceed in its aim of conferring
British citizenship on all Falkland Islanders who will not
In
otherwise acquire that status. If the amendment does suceed
we may expect Hong Kong and other dependencies to press for
similar treatment. Their resentment would be all the deeper
if we decline even to designate them 'British nationals'.
the present sensitive circumstances it is important that Hong
Kong should be assured that the FCO is active in pursuance of
the Colony's interests.
19. The FCO's position on the political aspect is inevitably
in conflict with that of the Home Office who are properly
concerned with immigration and nationality aspects. We there-
fore suggest that the Secretary of State should write to the
Home Secretary putting the macro-political viewpoint as in the
attached draft. It may not be possible to agree a position
before the Prime Minister leaves for the Far East on 16
September but she should be aware of the views of the FCO and
the Home Office before she departs. The Secretary of State's
letter and the Home Secretary's reply should therefore be
copied to No 10. There may be the possibility of a decision
before she visits Hong Kong on 26 September.
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