TNAG-1080-FCO40-1330-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 145

CONFIDENTIAL

PROPOSED ANSWERS IN DEBATE ON NATIONALITY BILL SECOND READING

a) General assurance of continuing HMG commitment to Dependent

Territories: This is already in present draft of Home

Secretary's speech.

b)

Undertaking by HMG to make representations if necessary to to ensure that foreign governments maintain freedom of

travel for CBDTs. Following text is proposed for use in

winding up speech if necessary:

'HMG understands the concern of people in the Dependent

Territories that foreign governments might impose

stricter entry requirements for CBDTs. Should this

occur HMG will press such governments to ensure that

existing freedom of travel is maintained'.

c)

Particular sensitivities of Hong Kong. The following text

has been proposed for inclusion in the Home Secretary's speech,

to accompany remarks on Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands:

'Ministers are aware of the strength of feeling in Hong

Kong on the need to maintain the ties between that

Territory and the United Kingdom. HMG re-affirm that the proposed legislation is not intended to weaken these

links, which they regard as of considerable importance'.

Also, for inclusion in winding up speech in reply to the

specific point:

'The fact that so many CBDTs reside in Hong Kong does not

mean that the nationality proposals are directed particularly towards that Territory As my right honourable Friend

made clear in his opening speech, we are aiming at

uniformity of treatment for all CBDTs'.

CONFIDENTIAL