3.
evel to
9
25
therefore very desirable that the system should be given an exhaustive trial before any steps are taken towards the adoption of the method suggested in paragrah 56 of the print, F.560/112/10. The scheme proposed in the print aims rather at extinguishing the British side of the dual Nationality while the renunciation scheme nov under trial in Canton affords an opportunity for retain- ing it.
5. From the domestic point of view of this Government the course advocated in paragraph 36 of the print might well have occasioned hardship to many respectable Chinese of British nationality resident in the Colony and engaged in trade with China, and it is a matter for congratulation that events have turned towards a continuance of Consular registration of british Chinese through the method of renunciation of Chinese nationality. Until the Chinese Nationality Law however has been consolidated, and denationalisation procedure has become universal throughout the whole country, it is no to be expected that there will be any keen disposition on the part of Hong Kong Chinese of British nationality, other than those whose interests are more intimately involved, to avail themselves of the regional arrangements for denationalisation. The renunciation scheme however offers no ground for resentment on the part of Họng Kọng British subjects in general, such as could be found in the scheme in the Foreign Office print.
6. It is noteworthy that His Majesty's Consul- General at Canton in considering applications for renuncia- tion of Chinese Nationality has found that in order to verify the claims of the applicants to British nationality he Lust attach great importance to just such evidence as
is