CONFIDENTIAL

not guarantee nationality any longer than B(0) or BOC status. Their real aim, it was agreed, wag to secure a bolthole should the Agreement not work out. On this, it is doubtful whether the Indians have any better claim to full British citizenship than any other group in Hong Kong.

(c) Citizenship for ex-Servicemen.

It was clear that neither Section 4(5) nor Section 6(1) of the BNA could provide British citizenship for this group. Moreover, the ex-Servicemen had no stronger moral claim than other groups in Hong Kong who had suffered during the War. Lastly, virtually all of them probably wished to stay in Hong Kong anyway. Nevertheless, it was agreed that their case could command considerable support in the House on 16 January.

4.

At the end of their discussion, Mr Renton and Mr Waddington agreed to organise a briefing of Conservative backbench MPS next week, in order to alert them to the considerable difficulties inherent in the Harilela and Lydia Dunn petitions. on Tuesday 14 January.

This will probably be

Investment.

PJ Westmacott PS/MR RENTON

CONFIDENTIAL

Share This Page