TNAG-0901-FCO40-1111-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1979 — Page 179

CONFIDENTIAL

REDRAFT OF PARAGRAPH 8(b) OF HOME OFFICE MEMORANDUM

"(b) The Hong Kong Government, reflecting the unanimous views

of all members, both Chinese and expatriate, of the Hong

Kong Executive and Legislative Councils, have opposed

any alteration in the citizenship of people connected

with Hong Kong, on the grounds that this would be inter-

preted as a lessening of the British commitment to Hong

Kong, and would therefore undermine confidence within the

Territory. They point to the fact that Hong kong's

2.6 million Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies

form by far the largest single group of CUKC outside the

United Kingdom, so that any change in the title or status

of CUKC will be seen in Hong Kong as directed princip-

ally against the Territory. And they believe that

because Hong Kong can never become independent, CUKC in

Hong Kong should be treated differently from those in

dependencies likely to become independent. As an illus-

tration of the concern which this subject arouses, the

Hong Kong Government have recalled the serious resentment

that was caused in 1962, when the right of Hong Kong

belongers to enter the UK was removed without previous

consultation.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office view is that a

CONFIDENTIAL

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