TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 243

CONFIDENTIAL

DSR 11C

We have promised the Home office

that we will not reveal to

Exco the

different positions aclofted by

ministers or indeed to

to tell them what the position

is until

the appropriate

moment.

that final decisions had not been reached on the nomenclature

for the Dependent Territories.

5.

A redraft has now been considered in the Cabinet

Home Affairs Committee. This proposes a separate citizenship

for the Dependent Territoires. It suggests that in the Bill

this should be entitled 'Citizenship of the British

Dependent Territories' but words this in the conditional

tense.

6.

The above is for your personal information (although

I have told Cater and Davies the position). The text of

the White Paper is still subject to final Ministerial

approval (The aim is to publish before the summer

•

recess). When this is given we will telegraph instructions

on the basis of which you can brief EXCO. These will make

clear that Hong Kong's views have been personally

considered by FCO Ministers and conveyed by them to the

Home Secretary. As a result, a good deal has been gained

(in particular the third category). There will still be

an opportunity for comment after the White Paper, which

moreover contains a passage reaffirming HMG's commitment

to all the Dependent Territories.

7.

We will also make arrangements for the text of the

relevant section of the White Paper to be sent to you

(as to other OAGS) in advance, although this will

probably only be shortly before publication.

CONFIDENTIAL

54200(22454) DD.0532198 300M 7/79 GWB LTD.GP.870