TNAG-0979-FCO40-1198-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 1

Background

MEMORANDUM FÖR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

INDEX

C2107 Taken

A BAPER

BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW: WHITE PAPER

23

P.A. J23.1.

of 40

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In October 1979, Members considered a discussion paper on the possible nomenclature which could be introduced for British Citizens of Hong Kong, if the old classification of "Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies" had to be abandoned following the introduction of new British Nationality legislation. A copy of the memorandum XCCI(79) 19 is at Annex.

2

Following discussion of the memorandum on 9th October

1979, and subsequent consideration by UMELCO members, the Secretary

2.1.

of State was advised that Members had considered the following possibilities:

(a)

(b)

(c)

흐흐

no change in the present nomenclature, i.e. "Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies";

Citizen of the United Kingdom and

Colonies (Hong Kong);

British Citizen (Hong Kong);

(d)

British (Hong Kong) Citizen;

(e)

Citizen of United Kingdom Dependencies (Hong Kong); and

(f)

Citizen of United Kingdom Colonies (Hong Kong).

3

Members' strong preference was to retain the present title (paragraph 2(a) above) or, if some change was considered essential, to adopt the title proposed at paragraph 2(b). The fall-back preferences were as stated at paragraphs 2(c) and 2(d) with a definite distaste for paragraphs 2(e) and 2(f). The point was made that more importance was attached to securing a separate category of citizenship for residents of dependent territories than to actual nomenclature and a request was made that the present prefix British Subject should be retained.

Further Developments - a White Paper

4

The Home Secretary has stated in Parliament that the parlia- mentary timetable will not allow the introduction of a new Nationality Bill during the present session, but that the UK Government will publish a

CONFIDENTIAL ##