TNAG-0980-FCO40-1199-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-British-nationality-1980 — Page 42

BRIEF FÖR MR LUCE

NE ATAIRS COMITTEE MEETING: 18 JUNE

POLATS

MAKE

·

DEPENDENT IFERITORIES CITIZENSHIP: NOMENCLATURE

The Dependent Territories are generally opposed to the abandonment of a unitary system of citizenship and see this as distancing them from the UK. HCG'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 parcgraph on nomenclature (para 15) which will give the Dependent Territories the opportunity to comment further before a final

decision is taken.

RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT (CHILDREN OF BUSINESSMEN, ET AL)

Provided 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 lik, provided its parent is in 'relevant employment'), the FCO have no objection. If the Department of Trade do not accept, 100 should reserve its position. We should support Department of Trade ut allow them to make the running. (Unless a satisfactory transmission provision for businessmen and other deserving groups is not forthcoming the provision agreed for Crown Servants could be placed in jeopardy.)

MARRIAGES AND OVERSEAS ADOPTIONS

Could be held to

The FCO have reservations on these provisions. contravene international obligations. However, agreed revised wording in White Paper sufficiently inexplicit 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, FCO re-examining separately the issue of right of a citizen to hold a passport.