TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 251

{

个

ANTAINS COMMITTEE MELTING: 18 JUNE

POINTS TO MAKL

DEPENDENT TIRRITORIES CITIZENSHIP: NOMENCLATURE

The Dependent Territories are generally opposed to the abandonmer.. of a unitary system of citizenship and see this as distancing them. from the UK. HMG's relations with several of them are currently

at a critical stage and it is therefore essential for us to reassure them that the proposed Nationality Bill will not affect the existing relationships. Although FCO accept that we cannot give them all they wish in the forthcoming Bill, FCO welcome the Home Office's agreement to reword the relevant White Paper paragraph on nomenclature (para 15) which will give the Dependent Territories the opportunity to comment further before a final

decision is taken.

C

'RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT' (CHILDREN OF BUSINESSMEN ET AL)

Frovided the Department of Trade accept the revised proposal made in the latest letter from the Home Secretary (transmission of citizenship to the grandchild of a person born in the UK, provided its parent is in 'relevant employment'), the FCO have no objection. If the Department of Trade do not accept, FCO should reserve its position. We should support Department of Trade but allow them to make the running. (Unless a satisfactory transmission provision for businessmer and other deserving groups is not forthcoming the provision agreed for Crown Servants could be placed in jeopardy.)

MARRIAGES AND OVERSEAS ADOPTIONS

Could be bele to

The FCG bave reservations on these provisions. contravene international obligations. HOTEVE! agreed perised wording in White Paper sufficiently inexplicat to disguise this fact. Home Office and FCO will pursue in consultation with Legal

Advisers.

RIGHT TO A PASSPORT

Although it is not intended to include civic rights in Nationality Bill, FCC re-examining separately the issue of right of a citizer

to hold a passport.