TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 241

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PREAMBLE

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(Security Class.)..CONFIDENTIAL

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CONFIDENTIAL

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PERSONAL FOR GOVERNOR FROM CLIFT.

NEW NATIONALITY LAW

1. I realise that we have owed you a report on the

current position for some time. We have waited while

Minsters considered very carefully the points made on

behalf of Hong Kong by yourself, and by Unofficial Members

in the Executive Council and independently.in recent

months. They fully understand the strength of feeling

in Hong Kong and have made every effort to meet this.

2. You will understand that it has not been possible

to satisfy Hong Kong's maximum position: the retention

of the status quo and specifically of the title 'Citizen

of the United Kingdom and Colonies'. Ministers' purpose

in the new legislation is to distinguish between

CONFIDENTIAL

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