CODE 18-77
Reference
(b)
(ii)
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Citizenship. Mr Stanbrook, a member of the Standing Committee on the British Nationality Bill, believes that the new status of British Dependent Territory Citizenship (BDTC) is a mistake. He believes FCO took this line only because of Hong Kong (Population of 5.3 million out of total Dependent Territories' population of 5.4 million). The Hong Kong factor limited HMG's approach to the question of citizenship. The exception made for the Falklands has destroyed the need for BDT Citizenship. It should be abolished. British Citizenship should encompass all Dependent Territories (except Hong Kong);
(iii) Future of the territories. Agreed with HMG's
general policy on Dependent Territories (where independence is a feasible option, to give help and encouragement to those Dependent Territories which wish to become independent, whilst not forcing independence on those which do not wish it). He believes our giving independence to Belize a mistake. In view of the defence requirements of Belize, independence had not been a feasible option;
except HK.?
(iv)
With the possible exception of Bermuda, no other Dependent Territories want independence. They should become part of United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (like the Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Their future status should be within this concept. They should be represented in Westminister through the House of Lords;
Pressure from the UN.
Appreciates difficulty HMG face in justifying the continuance of what are technically our colonies. Appreciates opposition HMG faces from eg S. American countries in UN on this.
HMG should resist UN moves to enforce independence for Dependent Territories.
Individual Territories
(i)
Hong Kong. Mr Stanbrook recognises that leased
territories must be returned. He cannot contemplate a future for the Crown Colony without the leased territories. Negotiations with the People's Republic of China (PRC) should be on the basis of both being transferred in 1997. He fears that the FCO are using the Crown Colony as a lever against the PRC on discussions on the leased territories. With the present cooperative mood of the PRC some form of agreement should be possible
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