TNAG-0902-FCO40-1112-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1979 — Page 164

Mr Murray

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CONFIDENTIAL

HKK 340

Etualpa 2378

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8

CHANGES IN BRITISH NATIONALITY LAWS: POSSIBLE CHINESE INTEREST

You asked me to comment briefly on the likely Chinese reaction to the proposed changes in our nationality laws.

1.

2. The Chinese general interest will be that we make no such changes. as would (a) upset the present stability and prosperity in Hong Kong or (b) impinge the long-term future of Hong Kong. The proposals at present canvassed are unlikely to affect (a), but they could arouse Peking's suspicions over (b).

3. My present main concern is that nothing should be done that would endanger a helpful Chinese response to our proposals on New Territory leases. My preference therefore would be that no change should be made in the present nomenclature.

4.

If changes have to be made, I hope they would avoid such names as "British Citizen of Hong Kong". This would, I am afraid, arouse or strengthen Chinese suspicions that our proposals on New Territory leases are intended to affect Hong Kong's future more substantially than we have admitted. Any changes along these lines should, I think, be avoided.

23 August 1979

CC:

Mr Samue

Mr Quantrill

HM Ambassador, Peking

CONFIDENTIAL

P Cradock