TNAG-1080-FCO40-1330-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 22

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11. IF THE BILL IS NOT AMENDED THERE WILL INEVITABLY BE DOUBTS AMONGST THOSE UPON WHOM WE INCREASINGLY RELY, BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL, AS TO PRECISELY WHAT HMG'S COMMITMENT REALLY MEANS. IT IS BECAUSE WE WANT TO SHOW HMG'S COMMITMENT IN AS MANY POSITIVE WAYS AS POSSIBLE THAT IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO US TO SECURE LEGISLATIVE

AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL. I AGREE THAT IF ALL THIS FAILS WE MIGHT HAVE TO FALL BACK ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSURANCE, BUT I SEE GREAT DIFFICULTY AND LITTLE PRACTICAL BENEFIT IN THIS APPROACH AND SUGGEST IT IS FAR TOO SOON TO CONSIDER IT. RATHER WE SHOULD GO ALL OUT FOR

AMENDMENT.

12. I WOULD HAVE PREFERRED TO CONSULT EX-CO BEFORE TELEGRAPHING ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT ISSUE. WILL IT BE TOO LATE IF I TELEGRAPH FURTHER VIEWS ON 17TH? PLEASE REPLY ON THIS POINT BY CLOSE OF

PLAY TONIGHT.

MACLEHOSE

LIMITED

HK&GD

NTD

FED

SIR E YOUDE

MR ADAMS

MR DONALD

Capigs to sent to

copigo

Hong Kong Conveniort office.

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