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do not intend to oppose Lord Bruce of Donington's bill for
granting 'British citizenship' to Falkland Islanders.
7.
The Home Secretary's worries over the inclusion of 'British
A-125 National' are given in Mr Hyde's letter of 31 August to Mr White
E-and in Mr Walters' letter of 5 October to No 10. They are:
a) that inclusion of the term 'British national' in passports
issued by the Governor of Hong Kong would undermine the
purpose of the British Nationality Act which was to get
away from omnibus categories such as 'British subject'
and 'Citizen of the UK and Colonies';
b) that it would make it difficult to refuse any corresponding
request on behalf of other British Dependent Territories
Citizens (eg those in Bermuda) or on behalf of British
Overseas Citizens;
c) that it would arouse expectations in the minds of those
obtaining the passports that they would be permitted
to enter the UK if they wished to do so, and that it would
make it more difficult to defend the basis of our current
immigration laws.
These points are covered in the draft letter to No 10 (attached).
8 October 1982
I
Shulerade
R D Clift
P.P. Hong Kong and General Department
appee.
The Prime Minister was, at fint sight,
Sympathihi in Hay kay vo
a
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arly have psychological impact.
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