TNAG-0660-FCO40-809-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1977 — Page 212

7447 D073840 101M 8/74 Cr.P.C. 839/3

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

CONFIDENTIAL

in the

the Commonwealth 30 years since then, but Commonwealth Governments still have a legitimate interest in United Kingdom national law. The 1943 Act preserved the common status of British Subject for citizens of the United Kingdom and all other Commonwealth countries. Through their status in our law Commonwealth citizens (and the Irish) enjoy civic privileges in Britain, including the right to vote in elections. An assurance to Commonwealth Governments will be required, if we decide to perpetuate this common status, or explanations if we decide to abolish it as an imperial hangover.

8. On the other hand, to hold up consultation followed

by publication until shortly after the meeting would

give the unfortunate impression to Commonwealth

Governments that HG had deliberately withheld publication in order precisely to avoid discussion at the meeting. A practical date for publication the meeting would therefore not occur until October/

November 1977.

after

9. Consultation with overseas governments followed by publication of a consultative document should not be

undertaken at all, unless the Government have finally find

decided to introduce a Bill in the next session of

Parliament. To stir up controversy, and to unsettle lage numbers of United Kingdom nationals overseas and several Colonial Governments, without proceeding to legislation, would give us the worst of all possible worlds. It would be far better to carry on for some years yet with the present scheme of citizenship, which, however imperfect, has worked for nearly 30

years.

DIFFICULTIES FOR THE FOREIGN AND COLEMONWEALTH OFFICE

IN MEETING A PUBLICATION DATE IN FEBRUARY

10. We should take sufficient time to ensure that

advance copies of the Green Paper are in the hands of Governors/Commissioners, High Commissioners and certain,

if not all, Ambassadors in time for them to consult or inform Governments/Members of Executive Councils before publication. Once the FCO has supplies of the Green Paper, this process will require about a month;

5 CONFIDENTIAL

This