TNAG-1081-FCO40-1331-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 14

CONFIDENTIAL

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He

said it was better not to refer to situations but to stick to the merits of individuals. Mr Whitelaw said that he could agree to Hong Kong's first point on automatice registration for citisenship after 5 years without further conditions. He could also accept the idea of Crown Service overseas counting towards the residence qualification for naturalisation. He would try his best on the special provision for public service in Dependent Territories. could not, however, agreed to the suggestion for wives of British Citizens to acquire citizenship in all circumstances. This would go against the Government's sex policy in the Bill. Sir M MacLehose said that he was prepared not to press for the wives, but he could not manage without the second point on provision for substantial service to the Crown. If this was not met he could not face his colleagues in Hong Kong. Mr Whitelaw said that he would try to meet this point with the maximum goodwill. He understood the need for urgent action. Home Office and FCO officials must meet as soon as possible. He would be in touch with Lord Carrington before the latter's visit to Hong Kong. Tactics for the Committee and the House would have to be considered. Sir M MacLehose said that the latter were matters for the Home Office. He thanked Mr Whitelaw for his understanding. He added that when drafting the provision for those who served the Crown was in process Hong Kong would prefer reference to 'registration' rather than 'naturalisation', but if this caused problems he would not insist on it.

Distribution:

Private Secretary PS/Mr Blaker

PS/Mr Luce

PS/PUS

Sir E Youde

Mr Donald

Mr Adams

HKGD

NTD

Governor, Hong Kong

CONFIDENTIAL

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