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22
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340 CONFIDENTIAL
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1A 2AH
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11 October 1982
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M Jos's ammunt
Nomenclature in Passports
DURIN
Colin Walters' letter to you of 5 October records the
Home Secretary's views on Hong Kong's proposal that 'British national' be included in their passports.
(
Paragraphs 3 to 6 beneath spell out the case for acceding to the Hong Kong request. Mr Pym did not have time to consider this very sensitive subject properly before his departure for the Middle East. He has nevertheless asked that this case should be put to the Prime Minister, and would like to discuss the issue with her on his return.
1
Hong Kong belongers would benefit minimally in practical terms were their passports to bear the additional description 'British national' They insist that they accept, for example, that it would not confer any right of abode in the UK or any status in terms of our immigration law different from that which they have at present. The nationality description is seen by them rather as a symbol of Britain's continuing role in and in relation to the Territory and as a reassurance that they would continue to enjoy full protection and consular assistance by us when travelling abroad.
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The issue is politically and psychologically very important rms of UK/Hong Kong relations and of our responsibility he welfare and protection of the interests of the Hong Kong people. It has become caught up with the whole question of Hong Kong's future and has a continuing influence on confidence in the Territory. As we move into negotiations with the Chinese, following the Prime Minister's visit, uncertainty is bound to increase, leading to demands for reassurance about the genuineness of our commitment to Hong Kong and the interests of her people. There is no doubt that a gesture such as describing them in their passports as 'British nationals' would help to allay anxieties and boost confidence. On the other hand, to reject their request would cause grave disappointment to them, indeed more so now that their hopes have been raised somewhat by the Prime Minister's
CONFIDENTIAL
/remark
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