TNAG-0979-FCO40-1198-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 233

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9. This brings us back to "Citizen of the British Colonies" or "British Dependent Territories Citizen" or some such variant. There is now general agreement that the use of "Colonies" or "Colonial" is undesirable. I still think something could be made of "Dependencies". The name of the particular territory can be added in brackets or on a separate line on the individual's passport. Hong Kong, in their latest telegram, reject this proposal without discussion. We may have to ask them to have another look at it.

10. A solution on these lines could be made more palatable if we reverted to the idea of a blanket prefix which would be common to the 3 categories of citizenship. The idea of using CUKC has been put forward. It would probably be rejected by the Home Office. I think, however, we should have another look at "British Subject". This has been turned down by the Home Office in the past as "archaic and misleading" I do not think this is a very strong argument and we should ask the Home Office to reconsider.

Consultation

11.

In considering any solution, particularly if it involves over- riding Hong Kong to any major extent, we must be firm with the Home Office on the question of prior consultation before publication of a White Paper. There is a strong tendency for the Home Office to argue that the discussions and exchanges of telegrams etc which have already taken place with Governors are sufficient and that they can then be presented with the White Paper in which their views will have been taken into account. This would not be good enough. As with earlier projects on immigration, it is the feeling of not being consulted which rankles as much as anything.

Points for meeting

12.

I suggest that with Mr Figg we cover:

a) the basic question of Government commitment to legislation;

b) whether it is really impracticable to retain CUKC;

the importance for presentational purposes to get FCO Ministers to underline to the Home Office Hong Kong feeling on CUKC;

d) alternatives:

(i) British (Hong Kong) Citizen;

(ii) British Dependent Territories Citizen (Hong Kong);

(iii) Blanket designation, eg British Subject.

e) the need for consultation on the White Paper.

13. I attach a note by Mr Quantrill summarising the various views on the subject.

21 January 1980

поочер

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

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