TNAG-0979-FCO40-1198-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 84

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Jones, NTD

NATIONALITY LEGISLATION

AKK 34011

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 0 7 MAY 1980

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

No

PA

REAR $15

REGISTRY

Action Taken

Ani 575

see 8

1. We spoke briefly about the forthcoming meeting between the LPS and the Home Secretary. Understandably this has not taken place yet. I should record the point that, if the Home Secretary is not prepared to accept the retention of the prefix "British Subject" for dependent territories belongers, the FCO's position on the draft White Paper should be reserved, preferably with allowance for further comment from the dependent territories, in particular from Hong Kong. I realise that there will in any case be a general reservation of position both before and after the draft goes to the Home Affairs Committee, but we would need the point to be specific- ally made on the "British Subject" issue as well.

2.

An additional point concerns the advance warning which we are agreed should be given to the dependent territories of the contents of the White Paper. This is a practical one. Many of the smaller territories have very limited cypher facilities. There would therefore be advantage if we could get them instructions by bag rather than by telegraph, if the information is at all lengthy. Perhaps we could discuss what this would mean in practice?

R D Clift

6 May 1980

Hong Kong and General Department

(47)

CONFIDENTIAL