1
D
14-4
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
on Hong Kong's future. However, she was briefed about Hong Kong's
concern on the nomenclature question and at her Press Conference
on 27 September she said that she would look into the problem on
her return. In a later interview with BBC TV she referred to
Hong Kong's request, 'to be described on their passports for their
nationality as British' and commented that she hoped we would be
able to have 'some encouraging news for them'.
6.
5. The Governor has now reported in his telegram No 1111 that
the Unofficial Members of the Executive Council are not prepared
to advise that the appropriate amendments to local Hong Kong legis÷
lation, consequential on the British Nationality Act 1981, be
introduced in the Legislative Council until the nomenclature
question has been decided. The Governor foresees difficulty in
getting the legislation introduced if the decision is not favourable.
This underlines the strength of feeling in Hong Kong on the subject.
Our agreement to the inclusion of 'British National' in
British Dependent Territories Citizens' passports would be seen as
tangible evidence of our interest in the people of Hong Kong and
of our commitment to the Territory in the wake of the Prime Minister's
visit. No 10 have asked us for examples of any gestures towards
Hong Kong which could help alleviate the Territory's anxieties.
Our acceding to Hong Kong's request for 'British National' in
their passports is perhaps the most effective gesture in our power
to grant. It would undoubtedly help allay concern and bolster
confidence.
It would also help to deflect the criticism, which
is sure to be voiced in Hong Kong, when it becomes known that HMG
/do
CONFIDENTIAL