TNAG-0901-FCO40-1111-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1979 — Page 42

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1. Mr Luce has seen Mr Gray's submission of 17 July and Mr Figg's minute of the same date. He is very concerned about the short timescale allowed for this complex exercise and considers that a good deal of detailed discussion is required both within the FCO and between FCO and Home Office officials before we shall be in a position to express final views on the subject. He thinks that it is impossible to have a clear FCO position in time for a meeting of the Home Affairs Committee on 24 July and on these grounds would favour some strengthening of paragraph 8 of the draft letter. It might also be useful to insert in paragraph 4 the idea that a good deal more detailed discussion of certain proposals in the draft bill is absolutely necessary.

2.

The time factor has prevented Mr Luce from giving detailed thought to the problems raised but he is doubtful about the contention in paragraph 4 of the draft letter that British overseas citizenship would be seen as "second class" (after all different groups of British citizens have had varying privileges in the past). He also remains to be convinced of the need for a 3-tier system as suggested by the Governor of Hong Kong (paragraph 5 of the draft letter).

3. If the meeting of the Home Affairs Committee on 24 July goes ahead Mr Luce considers that it should be firmly stated that the FCO needs more time for discussion of detailed points. In the meantime he would favour sending a letter along the lines of the draft attached to Mr Gray's submission.

KQ F Manning PS/Mr Luce

19 July 1979

CC:

PS/LPS PS/Mr Hurd PS/Mr Ridley PS/Mr Blaker PS/Mr Marten PS/PUS

Chief Clerk

Mr Cortazzi Mr Figg Mr Williams Mr Hall Mr Stratton Mr Fergusson Mr Murray

CONFIDENTIAL