4 Baroness Dunn acknowledged that it might be difficult for the United Kingdom Government to grant citizenship to the ethnic minorities, but she did urge the Home Secretary to think again. She believed it was
a political decision whether citizenship should be granted, and felt that, sooner or later, the Government would have to make a concession. It would be preferable if this concession were made earlier rather than later.
Wives and widows of ex-servicemen
5 Baroness Dunn asked why the Home Secretary was unable to use his discretion to grant British citizenship to the very small number of elderly war widows. The Home Secretary assured her that he was extremely sympathetic to the claims of these women. However, primary legislation would be necessary to allow these people British citizenship. He knew Baroness Dunn would understand that it would be extremely difficult for the United Kingdom to embark now on primary legislation over a matter of this kind. He reiterated the assurance that had already been given to these women, that if they were to come to the United Kingdom they would be allowed to take up residency here.
Conclusion
7 Baroness Dunn accepted the difficulties the United Kingdom would face if it were to grant citizenship to the wives and widows of ex-servicemen or to extend the assurance previously given to ethnic minorities. However, she felt that for the Government to try and to overcome these difficulties would bring great admiration in Hong Kong and around the world. She asked only that the Home Secretary kept an open mind on these matters.
Juli Wahn
Private Office 15 July 1993
MS JULIAN WALKER Private Secretary