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Any communication subject of this letter should be addressed to-
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE,
and the following number quoted :-
506271.
203
nol
Sir,
LONDON, S.W. I,
REOF
HOME OFFICE,
129 JUL 1927 lOOL.OFFICE!
30082
WHITEHALL.
14
24
28th July, 1927.
I am directed by Secretary Sir William Joynson-Hicks
to express his regret for the delay in replying to your
letter of the 22nd February last (30082/27), forwarding
a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Hong Kong relating
to enquiries which have been received from the Consul for
France in the Colony concerning the legal status of certain
British subjects of Chinese race.
Sir William Joynson-Hicks concurs generally in the terms
of the draft replies enclosed with the Governor's despatch,
except that (i) perhaps the last sentence of answer No.2
might be omitted; (ii) the references to "The British Nationality
and Status of Aliens Acts, 1914 to 1918" should read "The
British Nationality and Status of Aliens Acts 1914 to 1922";
and (iii) reference should, he thinks, be made to the fact
that persons of Chinese race who, although they may possess
British nationality by virtue of birth or naturalization in
Hong Kong, nevertheless also possess or retain Chinese
nationality in the eyes of Chinese law, would not be accorded
protection when in Chinese territory by the British Government
or its representatives in the event of any claim on them
being made by the Chinese Authorities. I am to suggest, for
Mr. Secretary Amery's consideration, that the views of the
Foreign Office should be obtained on this point.
Perhaps also reference should be made to the necessity
of proving birth in Hong Kong.
The Und er Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
A/