7.
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29
British registration and protection for more
than the period of grace.
If the Chinese Government insists on
claiming such children as Chinese Nationals we concur in the Minister's proposals, but we feel strongly that
in any negotiations which may take place with the Chinese
Authorities on this question of Nationality the Chinese Government should be pressed to remounce any claim to regard as Chinese Nationals descendants born in Eritish
Territory to Anglo-Chinese who have obtained denationali-
zation certificates. Such descendants would then be
able to obtain protection on registration at the Dritish Consulate and one possible cause of friction over delay
in the issue of denationalization certificates would be
avoided. I am advised by the Chinese meLibers of Council
that loyal Anglo-Chinese who have, by denationalization, obtained sole British Nationality would regard it as a
serious derogation of their rights as solely British
Nationals that their children should be obliged to go
through the further formality of renouncing Chinese
Nationality and I would urge that the fullest possible consideration be given to their views.
12. There is one further point which merits
consideration viz. the po ition of minors during minority
and until they are in a position to make declarations
for themselves in cases where such declarations are
required. Perhaps the simplest course would be to grant
then the same rights as their fathers during minority
but the point is not without difficulty especially in
the case of children born in China to denationalized
Chinese, who would on majority find themselves deprived
of any rights as British Nationals.
10.