TNAG-0901-FCO40-1111-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1979 — Page 14

Mr Figg

NATIONALITY BILL: STATUS OF INHABITAN OF COLONIES

PA

49

PROBLEM

1. To consult colonial governors on the type of citizenship to be given to inhabitants of colonies.

BACKGROUND

8

2. The Green Paper on Nationality of 1977 proposed a two-tier system of nationality, with British Citizenship for persons who had right of abode in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, and British Overseas Citizenship for those without such a right.

3. Following representations by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office the Home Office agreed to consider creating a special status for persons connected with colonies. There will thus be three categories of nationality:-

a) Persons with right of abode in the United Kingdom,

Persons with right of abode in a colony,

b)

c)

Persons without right of abode in any United Kingdom Territory.

A copy of a minute by Mr Woodfield (Home Office) dated 31 July is attached.

4.

It is now necessary to inform colonial governors of this proposal and to request their comments.

ACTION RECOMMENDED

5. I recommend that telegrams in accordance with the attached three drafts be sent to all officers administering the governments of dependent territories.

6. These draft telegrams have been cleared with the Home Office, who are making similar submissions to Ministers. Mr McLaren of Hong Kong and General Department has been fully consulted and

/agrees