EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA
WHY EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA?
CONFIDENTIAL
STATUS?
*
Is
131. The two Governments agreed that separate exchange of memoranda
was most appropriate way of dealing with nationality questions.
associated with Joint Declaration and part of package as a whole.
Comprises unilateral statements setting out the position of each
side. The two sides agreed that they should be published. Texts
initialled on same occasion as text of agreement.
A. UK MEMORANDUM
NATURE OF NEW STATUS?
132. It will be a new form of nationality under the British
Nationality Act. (It will carry a status in most respects the same as BDTC status, except for transmission by descent).
CHINESE ATTITUDE?
133. Clearly, matters which fall within the scope of the Exchange of Memoranda were extensively discussed with the Chinese. The key
point is that the
the arrangement is a practical one which will allow former BDTCs who obtain British passports before 1 July 1997 to
travel on them after that date.
TITLE OF FORM OF BRITISH NATIONALITY?
134. Not yet decided.
[IF PRESSED] What is important are rights carried by new status. These are substantively set out in UK Memorandum. Title requires
further consultation and consideration.
FORMAT OF "NEW" BRITISH PASSPORTS?
135.
Details not yet decided.
TIMING OF LEGISLATION TO AMEND BNA
136. Amendments will be needed to implement proposals in UK Memorandum. These will be put to the House in due course.
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