TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 170

會協民公港 香

CIVIC

TELEPHONE

H-225564

HONGKONG CIVIC ASSOCIATION

P. O. BOX 920

HONGKONG

電九香

倌

香港郵政信箱

11

O

電話:H二二五五八四

His Excellency the Governor

Hkk 36011

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 August 15 AUG 1980

DESK OFFICER

Sir Murray MacLehose, G.B.E., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O, INDEX Government House

Hong Kong

Dean Sin Murray.

White Paper on British Nationality Law

-

July 1980

REGISTRY

PA

Action Taken

Ali 15

Our General Committee note from the White Paper that Hong Kong is to be included in the new category of British Dependent Territories, in which category Hong Kong British Citizens represent 86%.

We suggest that whatever the new constitutional position, Hong Kong British Citizens should not be described as British Dependent Territories Citizens. We urge that wherever possible, our citizens be described and recognized, both locally and internationally, simply as "Hong Kong British Citizens".

We also urge that every possible step be taken to ensure that Hong Kong British passport holders will not be discriminated against when travelling to other countries, both within and outside the British Commonwealth. Hong Kong British passport holders are entitled to equal rights, protection and recognition as British Citizen passport holders, except automatic right of permanent abode in the United Kingdom. We seek the assurance of the British and Hong Kong Governments that such will be the case at all times. In particular, there should be elimination of any existing real or apparent discriminatory procedures in regard to the entry permit system to the United Kingdom and to Hong Kong British passport holders travelling through countries such as West Germany and Austria.

As ever

Acer celeryleen

Hilton Cheong-Leen Chairman

c.c. Mr. Peter Blaker, Secretary of State, FCO

Director of Immigration, Hong Kong