SECRET
assessment of ways of dealing with those other CUKCs who held that status by virtue of their accociation with a prosent Dependent Territory. The possibilities suggested were:
5.
(a)
(b)
(c)
creation of an individual citizenship of each Dependent Territory (or possibly of groups of territories)
creation of a collective citizenship of the Colonies; leaving them as citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies.
The Governor of Hong Kong replied that only (c) would avoid a strong and bitter reaction in Hong Kong. He argued that any change would provoke controversy and resentment, striking at MG's commitment to the Colony and the credibility of the British position.
There would be a risk of loss of confidence which could disturb the
delicate local balance. Froposals (a) and (b) above would be taken as a move towards abandonment of the Colony by the UK. Moreover, he agreed with the Ambassador in Peking that any attempt to create a separate citizenship for Hong Kong would be unacceptable to the
Chinese.
6.
The Working Group recognise that the Governor's views should be given due weight: there are at present 2 million CURCS in Hong Kong (although, as the Governor himself has pointed cut, the real size of the problem will deperd on the number of those CUKOS who felt that they could not without personal danger revert to Chinese nationality).
7.
However, the Working Group have decided to propose that
a collective citizenship, to be known as British Overseas citizenship should be created which would be held by:
(a)
(b)
persons connected with the Dependent Territories; persons who derive their present status in UK 1: W from a connection with a former Dependent Territory. This British Overseas citizenship will not carry with it any right of abode in the United Kingdom. Fersons who have a defined connection
ezâ
/with this
SECHET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.