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circumstances be tolerated. Cases would then be
dealt with on an individual basis. As regards
serving probationary officers who may not yet have
obtained British nationality, they could be
informed that they may still apply for British
nationality if they wish to do so, but that this
would not be a prerequisite to confirmation.
(f) Public Reation
There is not likely to be strong public reaction to
abandoning the requirement of which in any case it
is unlikely that many people are aware. The more
likely reaction is that people will welcome a state
of affairs whereby Administrative Officers are put
in the same position as everyone else.
(g) Chinese Government's Reaction
The change, when introduced, will not escape the
notice of the Chinese Government. They are,
however, unlikely to react adversely since the
change is entirely consistent with the provisions
of the Sino-British Agreement.
G.F. 326
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