Fice
SECRET
47
Sir W Harding
FROM:
CO Hum
DATE:
7 January 1985
ROUND UP ON HONG KONG
Hkk 040/2
RECEIVED IN RES
16 JAN 1985
DESK OR
INDEX
PA
Action T Mer
SAD
17/43
1.
You may find it helpful to have the following note of the major developments over Hong Kong during your absence:
(a)
Hong Kong Bill: The Hong Kong Bill will be discussed by the
We expect the Committee to Legislation Committee on 9 January. approve early introduction of the Bill, and we have recommended to Ministers on that assumption that it should receive its First Reading on 10 January and be published on 11 January.
enable the Second Reading to
January, if Ministers wish.
This would
take place in the week beginning 21 The Governor has explained to EXCO why
Ministers have decided that enabling provisions on nationality should be included in the Bill.
(b) Title of the new form of nationality:
The Secretary of State agreed with the Home Secretary that EXCO's views should be sought on the title "British National : Special Status" for the proposed new form of nationality. EXCO considered this on 3 January. They were generally unenthusiastic, although
They will discuss unable to come up with any better alternative.
After consulting Home Office the matter again on 8 January. officials, we have authorised the Governor to float the alternative of "British Overseas National" if EXCO continue to oppose "British National Special Status" and "British Overseas Citizen", on the understanding that Ministers have not yet completed consideration of : the Secretary this new formulation. The Home Secretary is content of State has not yet been consulted but is unlikely to demur.
SECRET