TNAG-1080-FCO40-1330-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 138

SECRET

27

HKK 340/1

Mr Towner, NTD

HONG KONG:

1.

HKK 34011

зі

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

0 3 FEB 1981

DESK OFFICER

PA

BRITISH NATIONALITY BITE

INDEX

(139) 198o

REGISTRY

Action Taken

а

In his letter to Mr Donal 30 December (copy attached), the Governor of Hong Kong asked leave to assure Iocal administrators that their circumstances would be borne in mind respecting discretionary powers in defining Crown Servants under the Nationality Bill. Any such assurance would need a delicate touch in view of the need to preserve confidence in the future of the territory.

2. I should be grateful if you would cast a careful eye over this first draft reply, particularly in respect of:

(a) the definition of Crown Servants;

(b) suggestions in paragraph 9 of the Governor's letter; (c) what assurances could be given informally;

(d) how to handle the issue during the Secretary of State's

visit (29 March - 1 April).

3. As you may know, leading Unofficials are arriving from Hong Kong to discuss this matter with the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State, so there is now some urgency. I should be glad of your views before noon tomorrow.

27 January 1981

A W Friar

Hong Kong and General Department K242

233 3988

SECRET