V
them as British nationals and Peking may well take the view that if for purposes of commerce it is convenient to the foreign administating authority to issue docu- ments of identity this is a matter which neither they nor we consider changes the ultimate responsibility for exercise of the right of protection. Here again therefore there would appear to be prima facie no case of dual nationality either in Chinese eyes or in our own. A change in jurisdiction over Hong Kong would from Peking's point of view reinstate Peking's temporarily subdued rights of protection; it would not from our point of view afford (as in group i) an opportunity for those affected to claim protection as of right by the United Kingdom or entry into this country.
4. I have not attempted to bring this point out in the proposed draft to Sir John Addis, but if the inter- pretation of the facts as they appear to me is correct you may find it helpful to gut in the draft.
at in the draft.co
5. I am sending copies of this minute to ir Davies with whom I have discussed the point, and to Mr Crowson.
W
10 April 1974
Инстимоне
summons.
PR Spendlove
South East Asian Department
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