TNAG-0800-FCO40-1004-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-Nationality-1978 — Page 31

Annex I

UMELCO's further views on the U.K. Green Paper on British Nationality Law

UMELCO's view is that the application of the

two-tier system to Hong Kong British. subjects is

unacceptable. This is not only because it is in itself

discriminatory and would confirm publicly that such

people are second class citizens but also because it would

focus attention on the approach of the end of the New

Territories lease. As Hong Kong cannot become independent,

this would seriously undermine both internal and external

confidence in Hong Kong.

2:

UMELCO therefore consider that the two-tier

concept of citizenship must be firmly opposed and that the

Government should do all it can to convince Her Majesty's

Government that the present arrangements whereby Hong Kong

British subjects hold the status of Citizens of United Kingdom and Colonies should continue. (Her Majesty's Government should also be invited to consider changing the

word "Colonies" to "Dependencies" in this context.)

3.

(a)

UMELCO note that :

the present holders of Hong Kong British

Passports no longer have the right of entry

to the U.K.;

(b) prior to 1960 such persons had such a right

of entry but subsequently unilaterally and

without consultation such right had been

abrogated by Her Majesty's Government;