TNAG-0901-FCO40-1111-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1979 — Page 37

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Mr Fl

o.f.

NATIONALITY TERMINOLOGY

1.

You circulated a helpful note by Mr Smedley on nationality terminology under cover of your minute of 20 July to PS/Mr Luce. However, Mr Smedley's note is not simply descriptive; it suggests titles for the various categories of British Subject to replace those proposed in the 1977 Green Paper. These titles were not mentioned in Mr Gray's submission of 17 July.

2. I should perhaps make it clear that the title "British Subject of Hong Kong" would not be acceptable to Sir Murray MacLehose. He wishes to retain the title "Citizen of the UK and Colonies" for British Subjects with the right of abode in Hong Kong or other Dependent Territories. He argues that as rights of access are not in question, a change of title is unnecessary; and that in these circumstances any change would be interpreted by the local population and also in Peking as an indication that the UK wished to weaken its links with Hong Kong. This point has considerable force. I hope that FCO officials will press it strongly in any further discussions with the Home Office.

R JT McLaren

20 July 1979

Hong Kong and General Department

Сс

PS/LPS

PS/Mr Hurd PS/Mr Blaker PS/Mr Luce Chief Clerk Mr Cortazzi

Mr Murray

Mr Stratton

Mr Hall

SAD

MVD

Consular Department

Passport Office

Thail

Lally.

p.a.

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