A
retain a form of British nationality after 30 June 1997 in
accordance with the United Kingdom Memorandum annexed to the Agreement
between the United Kingdom and the Republic of China on the future
of Hong Kong.
4.
Governor.
Passports issued in Dependent Territories are normally issued
in the name of the Governor in his exercise of the royal prerogative.
They have the title of the dependent territory on the front and
the exhortation on the inside front cover is in the name of the
Passports for BN(O)s in such a form, implying that Hong
Kong were a British dependent territory, would not be acceptable to
the Chinese authorities after 30 June 1997 when Hong Kong has reverted
to China. From 1 July 1997 British passports issued in Hong Kong
will be issued by British consular officers on behalf of the
Secretary of State. If passports issued to BN(0)s before that date
are in the same style, this will not only avoid upsetting Chinese
susceptibilities about the colonial status of Hong Kong but should
also help with the international recognition of the new national
status. BDTC passports, which will still be issued in Hong Kong to
those who prefer not to exercise the option for BN (O) passports, will
continue to be issued in the name of the Governor and will show the
name of the territory on the cover, but will have a maximum validity
to 30 June 1997.
5. FCO Legal Advisers have been consulted about the principle of
passports being issued in Hong Kong by the Governor (and through him
the relevant Hong Kong Government Department) in the name of the
Secretary of State. They see no legal or constitutional objection
to the Secretary of State authorising the Governor to act as his
agent for the issue of these passports.
2
/6.