TNAG-0660-FCO40-809-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1977 — Page 115

CONFIDENTIAL

iii.

citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies from overseas who were at one time settled in the United Kingdom and resident here for 5 years, but who cannot meet the residence qualifications for British Citizenship.

Although the idea would be that only British Citizens should have the right of entry to the United Kingdom, there might be a case for making some exceptions for the people in these groups and allowing them to retain their present right of entry for

their lifetimes.

9. The obligation which the Government have assumed towards holders of United Kingdom passports from East Africa would be maintained and the special voucher system would continue.

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN BRITISH CITIZENSHIP AND BRITISH OVERSEAS

CITIZENSHIP

10.

The suggestion that two citizenships should be created merely recognizes the status quo and is designed to ensure progress towards the situation in which the appropriate rights are gained along with citizenship. Some citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies now have the right of entry into the United Kingdom; many do not have that right but do have a right of entry into an existing dependency. The former will become British Citizens and the latter British Overseas Citizens. The long-term aim would be to confine British Overseas Citizenship to those with a right. of entry to a dependency. The British Government would continue to be entitled to give the same consular protection overseas to British Overseas Citizens as to British Citizens; both would remain

eligible to hold British passports.

AVAILABILITY OF THE GREEN PAPER

11. Copies of the Green Paper may be obtained from [insert name and address of bookseller and cost of document and of postage.]

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