TNAG-0522-FCO40-617-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 92

SECRET AND PERSONAL

مسلم بيا

3

viii.

registration at the Secretary of State's discretion of any minor.

Dual Nationality

3. Children who acquire dual nationality at birth are not to be required to renounce their second nationality if they wish to retain British citizenship.

4.

Persons who acquire British citizenship by naturalisation or registration otherwise than by virtue of marriage are to be required to renounce their former nationality within a specified period.

5. Persons who voluntarily acquire another nationality except on special terms following marriage are to lose their British citizenship.

Resumption of Citizenship

Former citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who have a qualifying connection with the United Kingdom will be able to take up British citizenship.

6.

Naturalisation

i

7. There is to be one process of naturalisation for Commonwealth citizens and aliens. qualifications are to be five years residence, knowledge of one of the official languages and an intention to reside in the United Kingdom. Good character is to be replaced by absence of convictions or undischarged bankruptcy. There will be no discretion to refuse except on security grounds and there will be an appeal system.

Descent through the female line

8. It is envisaged at present that this will come into effect at Royal Assent and will not apply retrospectively. Those born before Royal Assent outside the UK and Colonies who have a mother or grandmother born, naturalised etc in the United Kingdom but who have no link in the male line with the UK are not CUKCS and will not therefore normally acquire British citizenship under the transitional arrangements.