CONFIDENTIAL
5
3.
The
While it is not surprising that British residents in France and Switzerland should make their views known it is
surprising that there has been so little from elsewhere. Home Office have had only 5 letters from individuals (other than representations on behalf of businessmen) and we have received few though some are still trickling in. None of these added anything different from what they said above.
4.
The only posts which have offered their own views when forwarding comments from residents are Paris, Singapore, New Delhi, Strasbourg (UKDel) and Manila. HM Consul General in Paris fears that insufficient account will be taken of the
views of British residents overseas. Mr Gibbs said that a large number of themffelt let down and ignored by HMG in the matter of elections, especially those for the European Parliament, and that "to treat their views about nationality status with seeming contempt will produce further strong reactions against the British Government." Mr Gibbs added: "At a time when our communities, especially those of the Common Market, can play such a valuable part in the defence of British interests such an attitude is ill-advised". I think it is fair to add that in making. that comment Mr Gibbs (who believes that the jus sanguines principle should replace the jus soli as the basis of our nationality law) would not be aware that the provisions we intend to seek for transmission of citizenship to the second generation overseas for specific categories should go a long way towards meeting the needs of a considerable number of British residents in France.
5. The High Commissioner in Singapore is principally con- cerned with the UK expatriate businessman rather than the British citizen who has settled overseas. The provisions which we are proposing should cope with those for whom Mr Hennings has sympathy. This applies also to the comments from New Delhi, Strasbourg and Manila.
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.