TNAG-0903-FCO40-1113-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1979 — Page 6

CONFIDENTIAL

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 scems 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 issued at the moment, ie the passport shall contain the

containing

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

mede exhortation to allow free passage choll in the name of

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

a

with

with

the United Kingdom) the Secretary of State; and the

national status and the name of the Colony shall be shown on page one.

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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 Kongli (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

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