if the Chinese authorities can be persuaded to
accept them. I foresee, however, some difficulties.
In the first place the proposed treatment of
transient visitors may lead to difficulties in
the case of H.K. Chinese. If they register with the British Consul they are entitled to protection for the first 6 months without obtaining a
denationalization certificate from the Chinese
authorities. It is quite possible that H.K.Chinese
may visit Cant on for periods of a few months very frequently, but if they never exceed 6 months in
Canton they will apparently be able to claim British
protection on each occasion without troubling to
obtain a denationalisation certificate.
however, is an objection to be raised rather by the Chinese authorities than by us.
This,
Sir M. Lampson's proposals for dealing
with the children of Chinese who have obtained
denationalisation certificates may also lead to
complications. Under British law I understand
natual bous
that children of British subjects remain British
wherever born. It is not clear whether under
Chinese law the denationalisation process applies only to the one generation or to all future generations.
I rather suspect the latter, since the form to be
completed by applicants for denationalisation certs.
asks for particulars of the children of the
applicant. If this is so, it appears likely that
the children of denationalised Chinese, if born in
China, may be in effect deprived of any nationality
at all.
present.
as regards the abovy,
No action seems to be necessary at
A further,
When we hear from the F.0. we can consider
whether