TNAG-0903-FCO40-1113-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1979 — Page 18

CONFIDENTIAg

the United Kingdom in September and Mr Woodfield's recent

visit to Hong Kong, and after further discussion with the

Foreign and Commonwealth Office, it is now thought that

Hong Kong recognises the need for a common colonial status.

Their main concern seems to be that their passports should

contain words to show that they are members of a British

Colony, and that the title 'Hong Kong' should also appear

on it.

Accordingly, they are, as will be seen from the

photocopy of the cover and first page of a Hong Kong pass-

port attached, asking for something very close to what is

Containing passport shell contain the

a

issued at the moment, ie the

with

words 'Hong Kong' on the cover and on page one; the

made exhortation to allow free passage shall in the name of

and not the Governor rethether (as it is on passports issued in

with

the United Kingdom) the Secretary of State; and at the

national status and the name of the Colony shall be shown

on page one.

Comments on the Various Titles Suggested

6. The various titles which have been suggested by Hong

Kong people and others, are as follows:-

(a) Citizen of the United Kingdom Colonies [sic_7

(b) Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies (Hong Kong

(c) Citizen of a United Kingdom Colony (Hong Kong)

The objection to these titles is that they would cause

confusion with the present citizenship which it is our

- 3.