A
ESSENTIAL FACTS
CONFIDENTIAL
1.
The 'Points to Make' follow the line taken in answer
to a written PQ from Michael Colvin MP (Briston North West) on
28 October.
2.
Hong Kong passports at present describe the holders as
Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies'.
'British Subject:
When the British Nationality Act 1981 comes into effect on
1 January 1983 Hong Kong belongers will become British Dependent
Territories' Citizens and described as such in their passports.
3.
The Hong Kong Government, at the instigation of the
Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils
of Hong Kong, have urged consideration of adding a phrase such
as 'British National' to the passports. They place great
importance on this as a symbol of continuing British commitment
to the Territory.
[They had pressed earlier through Lord Geddes
during the passage of the BNA for an amendment to the Act for them
to be described as 'British Nationals'. The Geddes amendment was
defeated in the Lords by only 3 votes].
4..
During her visit to Hong Kong in September the Prime
Minister said that she would look into the matter on her return
and hoped that she would be able to have 'some encouraging news'
for Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL
/5..