CODE 18-77
SS 8/78
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL
GNN 340/1(45)
27.3
Reference
PA
Mr Hoare, HKGD
BNA 1981 AND HONG KONG
HKK 340/1
1 AF 10/12 AF10/12
seel
275
1. Section 4(5) of the Act empowers the Home Secretary 'if he thinks fit in the special circumstances of the case' to extend British citizenship to BDTCs who are or have been in Crown Service under the local government or on such bodies as Exco, Legco and for example on Boards of Trade or Education.
2. We would expect the Home Secretary to use this discretion sparingly. The implication is that some and perhaps many applica- tions will be turned down.
3. A copy is attached of the draft letter to Governors that I mentioned on the phone. It is clearly prudent to put Governors on notice before implementation on 1 January 1983. But perhaps you could pass on to Mr Clift the reservations I mentioned. Should we perhaps discuss the subject further with the Home Office before anything goes to Hong Kong? I should be grateful for your advice.
14 December 1982
Clinistopher Mccalls
C J Howells
Nationality & Treaty Dept
213-3794
Cc:-
Mr Campbell
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL