(b)
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'European Community' and the other European
languages except French;
to issue a CFP-style passport distinguished in some more
visible way, either by an additional mark or different
colour.
5.
(c)
to continue to issue the old stiff blue cover passport
to all those British nationals without EC rights.
All three options have drawbacks. Our partners may argue
that the simple omission of the words 'European Community' from the
cover of the passport, as in option (a), would be insufficient
to allow ready distinction of British nationals with EC rights from
those without. Option (b) might be regarded as a second class
passport and, particularly because of the implicit warning
contained in its differential marking, give rise to difficulties
for the holder when he or she was dealing with officials in third
countries. HMG has the clear duty to protect the interests of these
people just as much as those who have EC rights. We would expect
this sentiment to be expressed both in the press and elsewhere
eg by Governors of Dependent Territories. Keeping the old style
passport (option (c)) could make it more difficult to secure
general acceptance of the CFP and would involve the extra cost of
maintaining production facilities for two completely different
types of passport. All three options thus pose potential
difficulties for HMG.
On balance, however, the issue of a CFP
without reference to the EC on the cover is likely to create the
least problems and to arouse the least public hostility.
Channel Islands/Isle of Man
6.
British citizens who have that status through a connection with
the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man have the right of abode
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/in