HONG KONG NATIONALITY ORDER IN COUNCIL
NOTES FOR WINDING-UP
нии зиоте 34011
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
19 MAY 1986
DESK OFFICER INDEX
REGISTRY
PA
Action Taken
B1
Criz
J
Introduction and Conclusion
1. My Lords we have had another full, carefully argued and well-informed debate
on the nationality arrangements for Hong Kong. The debate has, not surprisingly,
focussed particularly on the Government's proposals for those British Dependent
Territories citizens in Hong Kong who are not ethnically Chinese.
2.
My Lords, I have listened very closely to all that your Lordships have said
today on this matter. I respect the position from which many have spoken and
the deeply held views of those who have spoken. After so many months of
consideration, it would be surprising if any new arguments had been put. All
these points have been very carefully and sympathetically weighed. Despite the
powerful advocacy which your Lordships have heard today, I am bound to say that
the Government remain convinced that their proposals are right in all the
circumstances.
3. We do, of course, fully accept and acknowledge our responsibility towards
all British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong. The aim of the Order
is to make provisions which are fair and consistent as between them all, and which
also reflect our wider responsibilities to British nationals throughout the world.
We believe the Order achieves this objective. It provides an opportunity for
all Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens to acquire a new form of
British nationality, and to retain it for life. It ensures that no-one need fear
statelessness. The agreement guarantees the legal right of all Hong Kong British
Dependent Territories citizens to continue to live there. And we have given an
assurance that we would expect future Governments to deal sympathetically with
those who come under pressure to leave. We believe that this is the right and sensible way to proceed. [We do not accept some of the more alarmist predictions
which have been made today. Indeed, we believe what we have proposed not only
fully meets our commitments and responsibilities, but that it is also the most
responsible and fairest response in the present circumstances. We want to go
into the next 11 years in a calm, fair and confident spirit, and we cannot
recommend to your Lordships the sort of special and unprecedented measures for
a part of the community in Hong Kong which have been advocated today.
B 1.7