CONFIDENTIAL
You will see what I propose. Unfortunately, it makes for a rather unattractive
contrast between paragraphs (a) and (b). An alternative would be to draft both
paragraphs in terms of "such connection with Hong Kong as may be specified in the
Order".
But that might give the impression that the Order would specify the same
connection for both paragraphs which is of course not the intention.
A yet further
possibility is to draft both paragraphs in terms of citizenship "by virtue of a
connection with Hong Kong" and to say later that (a) is not to apply to a person who
is also a BDT citizen independently of a connection with Hong Kong.
I have made what I think is a slight improvement in the wording of the parenthesis
in (b). In paragraph 2(2) I have adopted the substance of your suggestions; and in
paragraph 2(3) I have given more prominence to the power to make provision for the
avoidance of statelessness.
Paraagraph 3
This is now split on the lines you have suggested.
Extent
I see no need for an express extent provision which would, I think, look distinctly odd
in a Bill of this nature. It is obvious that the Bill extends to Hong Kong; and it is
obvious from paragraph 3(2) that it extends to Northern Ireland and to other British
possessions.
Yours sincerely
C H de WAAL
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CONFIDENTIAL