Cannot indicate in advance what the outcome of any application
might be. But committed generally to using the power very
sparingly in the light of the applicant's particular circumstances,
and granting only to those who have given outstanding service.
Would need to take these factors fully into account in fairness to
other British former servicemen throughout the world.
4.
HMG SHOULD GIVE NON-ETHNIC CHINESE AND/OR EX SERVICEMEN RIGHT OF
ABODE IN ANOTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORY, SO ENABLING THEM TO REMAIN BDTCS
Not for HMG to do this. Right of abode in a dependent territory
is governed by each territory's own rules and laws, which are
designed to identify those people who "belong" to that territory.
Not appropriate to seek to give Hong Kong "belongers" right of
abode in another dependent territory with which they were not
connected.
5.
BRITISH CITIZENSHIP OF GREATER BENEFIT THAN BN(0) OR BOC,
BECAUSE CHILDREN BORN IN UK OF BRITISH CITIZENS ACQUIRE IT AT
BIRTH
Those who could afford the time and money to make the necessary
arrangements could do so. But undesirable in principle to make
special provisions which will only benefit those with the
resources to ensure their children are born in the United Kingdom
or a dependent territory.
6.
3(1)
CHILDREN OF BRITISH CITIZENS CAN BE REGISTERED UNDER SECTION
At discretion of Secretary of State. But will not normally exercise
discretion unless satisfied that child's future lies in the
Future
United Kingdom.
meet this requirement.
generations in Hong Kong not likely to
7.
REGISTRATION OF MINORS AS BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS UNDER
SECTION 27(1)
At discretion of Secretary of State.
Open to future Home Secretary
to consider applications under section 27(1) and to register
if he considers it appropriate in the particular circumstances of