TNAG-0376-FCO40-422-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 24

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REVIEW OF NATIONALITY LAW

1. Mr Royle said that a further paper was being prepared.

would go to a Cabinet Committee on 19 September.

It

Officials had

This

made Sir Murray MacLehose's point strongly that no change should

be made in the title "Citizen of the UK and Colonies".

point had been supported by some other Governors. But he did not

think that Ministers outside the FCO would accept it. The object

of the exercise was to distinguish between people whose country

of origin was UK, and others.

To keep the title "Citizen of the

UK and Colonies" might be thought inconsistent with the objective.

2. Sir Murray MacLehose asked whether, as a fallback, it would

be possible to introduce some easing of visa restrictions.

Mr Royle said that we had not had much success on this, but we

would try to press it again. Sir Murray MacLehose asked whether

there might also be an increase in the quota for Hong Kong people

to come to Britain as residents. Mr Stuart was doubtful whether

Ministers would agree, since the object of the whole exercise was

to cut down on immigration.

Distribution:

Sir D Watson Mr Scott

Gym Wol

HKIOD (1.) (STUART)

PS/Mr Royle

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