TNAG-0979-FCO40-1198-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 88

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c) Paragraphs 11 and 27. I hope that it will be agreed

that there is no need to include in Appendix C the populations of Dependent Territories. This adds nothing to the arguments

but does draw attention to Hong Kong, somewhat increasing the psychological impression that the Act is aimed against that territory.

d) Paragraph 14, Sentence 1. The last bit is rather invidious.

I suggest "..... distinctive citizenship for those whose principal connection is with the United Kingdom itself." I do not see why the phrase about identifying themselves with British society is necessary.

e) Paragraph 15. I would like to see the second sentence

deleted. I can see no reason for mentioning this specific point which again is likely to lead to unhelpful reactions, The general point is in any case made in paragraph 27.

f) Paragraph 104, Sentence 2. Should not "..... who hold

citizenship of the UK and Colonies under existing legislation" be added at the end? Otherwise a lot of non-citizens might think they had some right to this new citizenship.

7. Finally, I would be grateful in due course to have confirmation that the provisions on citizenship by descent will apply to members of the Overseas Civil Service in Dependent Territories.

Slip

R D Clift

8 April 1980

Hong Kong and General Department

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WIAD

SPD

FED

MCD SAMD

CONFIDENTIAL