Mr McQuade
Mr Clift
16.
27
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference... HKC 340/1
HKG....
•
15 JUL 1981
Pl. copy 2. Mr. Fayes. NID
m
748
to
16
17
巴
NATIONALITY BILL: THE GIBRALTAR AMENDMENT
1. Mr Clift asked me to set out the likely reactions of other Dependent Territories if the Gibraltar amendment (copy attached) is passed.
2.
(i)
The Territories could be grouped as follows:
Very adverse reaction
Anguilla
―
(ii)
Falkland Islands
St Helena
Some reaction
Belize
Bermuda
Anguilla has a large colony in the UK, and would press very hard for similar treatment to Gibraltar.
The FIG is pressing very hard to obtain right of abode for the 300-400 islanders out of the total population of approx 1400 who do not have it at present.
The St Helena Government is like- wise pressing for right of abode for the whole population.
The question is slightly academic. Any reaction would come principally from those opposed to independence.
A fair number of Bermudians have close connections with the UK.
Uncertain reaction
(iii)
BVI
Any reaction would be mainly for public consumption. BVIG are not really interested in links with Britain on the nationality side; their main ambition is to go to the USA.
(iv)
TCI
Caymans
Montserrat
Total disinterest
Pitcairn
Probably not interested.
The Islanders have some form of association with New Zealand.
By wett Rook.
B Brett Rooks (Miss)
Hong Kong and General Department
15 July 1981
CODE 18-77