NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
NON-ETHNIC CHINESE
THEY SHOULD BE GRANTED
BRITISH CITIZENSHIP
We have carefully and sympathetically considered all the arguments put in Hong Kong and in this
House. But we are not persuaded that it is desirable
or necessary to grant British citizenship. It
would not help secure people's right of abode
in Hong Kong which is guaranteed by the Agreement.
Nor is it sensible to suggest that British Overseas citizenship is not a satisfactory form of citizenship
Cwe cannot responsibly give a commitment for a
large and probably uncertain level of additional immigration in 1997 Our proposals ensure that
all British Dependent Territories citizens in
Hong Kong have an accepted nationality status
and a place to call their home.
HMG HAS RESPONSIBILITY
TOWARDS NON-ETHNIC CHINESE
WHO WILL NOT BECOME CHINESE
NATIONALS
Agreement with
Fully accept this responsibility.
China provides for continuing form of British
nationality after 1997. Order provides that all
Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens, whatever their ethnic origins, will be entitled to British National (Overseas) status and to the
passport that goes with it. In 1997, only those
who do not pay for this will become British
Overseas citi..
CONCERN OVER POSSIBLE
STATELESSNESS
Fully appreciate concerns of minority communities
who are not ethnically Chinese. No question of
any British Dependent Territories citizen becoming stateless as a result of the agreement. Draft Order makes provisions to prevent this not only for those who are BDTCs before 1 July 1997, but also for their children and grandchildren born
on or after that date. Fully in accordance with
our international obligations to relieve statelessnes