TNAG-0660-FCO40-809-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1977 — Page 167

CONFIDENTIAL

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(c)

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 (BCs), the latter BOCs. There will be no discrimination on grounds of colour or race. The long- term aim would be, in co-operation with the governments of dependent territories, to confine British Overseas Citizenship to those with a right of entry to a dependency.

In some Colonies there may be a feeling that the proposal to create two citizenships would weaken the political ties, with the United Kingdon, This is not so. The British Government would continue to be entitled to give the same protection in dependencies and at Consular and

equivalent posts overseas to BOCs as to BCs; both would remain eligible to hold British passports.

(d) BCs and BOCs who were not born, naturalised or registered

in the United Kingdom or an existing dependency respectively would not be able to transmit their citizenship to their children, and this may cause anxiety. The limitation of the acquisition of citizenship by descent to the first generation born abroad would be common to both BCs (male and female lines) and BOCs (male line). The second generation born abroad would be expected to acquire the local citizenship, whether he were eg a second generation English child born in the Argentine, or a second generation Hong Kong Chinese child born in the Philippines. This is in line with the Government's intention that eventually all BCs and BOCs should have the right of entry either in the United Kingdom or in an existing dependency respectively. The retention of Consular registration of births overseas would result in the proliferation of dual citizens whose connection with the United Kingdom or an existing dependency would be tenuous.

(e) If the proposed restrictions on dual nationality are

criticised. it may be answered that the United Kingdom is at present much more liberal in its attitude to dual nationality than most other countries. The abandonment of Consular registration of births in foreign countries will in itself have the effect of reducing the number of dual citizens. In Hembers of the Commonwealth British emigrants are expected to identify with their new country; there has never been the equivalent of Consular registration of births in the Commonwealth. The individual should decide where his primary loyalties lie, and if he voluntarily acquires another citizenship, he has no cause to complain if he forfeits his first citizenship thereby.

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