TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 4

30 December 1980

implementation of the main provisions of the Act before considering the application of any scheme of the type proposed in paragraph 70 to Hong Kong.

10.

I believe that a confidential statement on these lines would help reassure those in Crown Service in Hong Kong. But it would not create a premature commitment for HMG, nor would it create an equally premature division in Hong Kong between the eligible and ineligible for British Citizenship. But most important, by leaving the door open, it would not stimulate the very natural concern of the local Administrative Officers and many others here, which if it got out of hand, could produce an impossible situation for us.

11. Lord Shepherd did see some local officers in 1967 as the letter says. But I do not recommend that Lord Carrington should give such an interview during his very short visit here in March.

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