TNAG-0660-FCO40-809-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1977 — Page 101

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HONG KONG: DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON NATIONALITY LAW

Problem

Flag A 1. The Governor of Hong Kong has asked that he be able to state,

as part of the press guidance to accompany the release in Hong Kong of the Green Paper on Nationality Law, that the "Secretary of State has assured us, and authorized us to say publicly, that these proposals, if adopted, do not indicate any alteration to HMG's commitment to the security and prosperity of Hong Kong which remains unchanged" (paragraph 7 of Hong Kong telegram no. 375 of 15 April).

Flags B & C

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Background and Argument

2. It was recognized in guidance telegrams issued in connection with the Green Paper that the new proposals on Nationality Law are likely to give rise to a great deal of uncertainty in Hong Kong. This is because those living in Hong Kong have always been very sensitive to any possible sign that Britain's resolve to maintain the status quo in Hong Kong might be wavering. The Hong Kong

Government need to contain their fears about the future. The

statement for which the Governor seeks authority should therefore help to limit the uncertainty which is likely to arise from publication of the new nationality proposals.

3. HMG is committed in general terms to maintain the security and prosperity of any dependent territory. This is no less true in the case of Hong Kong where such a commitment is implicit in the UK/Hong Kong relationship. This was recognized in the Planning

Flag Paper on Hong Kong, which Ministers approved last year. Paragraph 6

of the Planning Paper reads (in part) "... Britain has made it

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clear that she is committed to preserving the integrity and furthering the prosperity of Hong Kong. We thus carry a responsibility

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