TNAG-0750-FCO40-954-Visits-of-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong--to-UK-1978 — Page 81

CONFIDENTIAL

7.

Green Paper on British Nationality Law

1. The Green Paper issued last year proposes changes in the law which would change the status of a substantial proportion of the population of Hong Kong from 'Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies' to 'British Overseas Subjects'. The practical effects of such a change would be minimal since the number of British passport holders in Hong Kong with the right of entry into the UK is already

very small.

Nevertheless the reaction when

the proposals were made public was

considerable, largely because of the fear that the change would make it more difficult

for those concerned to come to the UK in

the event of a Chinese takeover of Hong Kong.

2. We have stressed to the Hong Kong Government that the Green Paper is a purely consultative document and that HMG has not

yet formulated a definite policy. We have further stressed that HMG are anxious to have the views of all concerned including the Hong Kong Government. As yet no such views have been given although we believe that they are being prepared.

CONFIDENTIAL