TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 263

CONFIDENTIAL

kr. down!

Thurgh

Mon9

NATIONALITY LAW BRIEFING FOR LPS

(9 June)

UK/Hong Kong Relations General : Other issues

Nationality Law

London/Hong Kong air services route.

Re-negotiation of the DCA.

MFA.

34011

HKK 340

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 16 JUN 1980

DESK OFFICER INDEX

PA

REGISTRY Action Taken

They are asked

Hong Kong's feeling of double standards by HMG. to cooperate on, eg, Iran sanctions and Olympic Games, as an off-shoot of the UK. But in at other respects, particularly nationality, the tendency is to treat them as foreigners.

Attitudes on Nationality Law

AN 16/6

These tinged by resentment at earlier Immigration Acts on which Hong Kong were not consulted. Although it is acknowledged that the Nationality Law does not alter immigration legislation, there is a suspicion that one purpose is to make it easier for the UK to refuse admission later on humanitarian grounds if China took over Hong Kong. But the main concern is a suspicion that Britain's general political commitment to Hong Kong weakening.

Hong Kong position

Their maximum demand has been for the retention of the present position, ie CUKC.

The Secretary of State expressed sympathy with the idea of retaining as much link aspossible between Hong Kong and the UK. Hong Kong's second point has been for 3 rather than 2 categories of citizenship. This has been conceded.

FCO position

We accept the Home Office's view that there should be change. But there is a strong case for a title for Dependent Territories' citizens emphasising the connection with Britain. 'British Subject' would do this and would also retain its similarity with the previous title. Without it, 'British Dependent Territories Citizen' is likely to be unacceptable to Hong Kong and to other Dependent Territories. If the Home Secretary will not accept this now we would need to continue the argument in the Home Affairs Committee.

Butish Subject: Hory Kay Citizen

(difto with Pety)

/Consultation with

Hong Kong

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