TNAG-1080-FCO40-1330-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 60

SECRET

3

DSR 11C

# It coned

either be given

to the petitioner and to cothers who sought

two.

ways mi which

might be gure"

three possible form of such an assurance, all of which would again!

apply to public service in all dependent territories in the event of a change of status in such a territory:

private (a) The first form of assurance would be a confidential one. thist is Mrned be mearly and effectin The Governor, however, has severe doubts as to whether it

an amaniment

to the Bin

would be sufficient to allay the fears of the people

concerned.

J

There is also always the danger that there

would be a leak. It could be denied publicly but could be

Such an ansurance and a deservwit

all

or to these to whom

is world apply The latter moned be difficult to

Quantify.

embarrassing in terms of Parliamentary reaction and our relations with China than either of the other forms of

(b) The second form would be a public assurance.

rance. This would

assupSage.

be most satisfactory for the Civil Servants and the Unofficials but it would cause problems with those in Hong Kong who were not covered, could be misinterpreted by the

One

Chinese and lead to a run on confidence in Hong Kong.

(e) The third form would be a private assurance which would

almost certainly leak and Tead to the problems already

~Mentioned.

The wording of

5. fan assurance, of whatever form, were to be given its wording would have to be considered very carefully.

A public

assurance has already been given in respect of the Falkland Island. In December 1979, Mr kidley sent a message to the people of the Falkland Islands assuring them that, in the event of an emergency, the problems of any islander who did not possess the right of abode in the United Kingdom and who was in trouble at that time would be most carefully and

This is a useful precedent, sympathetically considered.

although it would need to be amended since it is not for

consideration that such a blanket assurance should be given to

Hongrang

everyone in dependent territories.

The assurance, whether

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/confidential

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