CONFIDENTIAL
3. The BN (O) passport does not confer right of abode in
the United Kingdom and its holders will be subject to
immigration control. It will however state the right of
abode in Hong Kong.
4.
United Kingdom consular officials in the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region and elsewhere may renew and
replace passports of BN (O)s and may also issue them to
persons born before 1 July 1997 of such persons who have
previously been included in the passport of their parents.
We will provide consular assistance in third countries but
of course not in the Hong Kong SAR or in China.
5.
During the passage of the Hong Kong Bill we faced
criticism from those on the right in the House of Commons
who suggested that it was wrong to perpetuate a situation
in which persons who do not have the right of abode in the
United Kingdom nevertheless hold a form of British
nationality. We also faced criticism from the other side
that it was wrong to be so restrictive in granting British
nationality to the people of Hong Kong, and that we should
provide a lifeline in case the agreement was to fail and
people were to wish to leave Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL