TNAG-0902-FCO40-1112-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1979 — Page 102

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CONFIDENTIAL

Reference ...............

98

Mr Gray

Nationality & Treaty Dept

нык знов!

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

2 7 SEP 1979

OFSK GFFICER

INDEY

NEW NATIONALITY LAW: DEPENDENT TERRITORIES

2.

Your minute of 18 September.

REGISTRY

As agreed, we have consulted our OAGS (FCO telegram No Personal 14 of 19 September to Anguilla). With the exception of Bermuda (see paragraphs 3 and 4 below) and the British Virgin Islands (who have not yet replied), they do not expect the lack of prior consultation to lead to strong criticism in their territories, provided that local Executive Councils/Ministers can be assured that consideration will be given to their views during the legislative process. We should like to assure OAGs in due course that this proviso will be met.

5. However, as you will have seen from Hamilton telegram No Personal 28 of 24 September (copy attached), Bermuda Ministers will be antagonised if they are not consulted in advance. They are approach- ing a pre-election period when it will be important for them to be able to demonstrate eg to the Opposition, that the UK is not indifferent to local opinion. They would therefore be placed at a serious disadvantage if they are not in a position to say that they were consulted in advance about the proposed changes in our national- ity law.

4.

We hope therefore that you can persuade the Home Office to make an exception in the case of Bermuda. The Governor, who is on leave in the UK, has been consulted and fuly supports this view.

26 September 1979

tr 11,

cc: Mr Quantrill, HK&GD

Mr Pettitt, SPD

Mr Gordon, SED

Mr Cowling, S Am D

Mr Perceval, M&CD

Filolmes

B T Holmes

West Indian & Atlantic Department

| Williamsex

RA.

J27.P

CONFIDENTIAL

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