TNAG-1081-FCO40-1331-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 211

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.

The Bill proposes that Citizens of the British Dependent

Territories be in future called precisely that. We realise that it is the

change in title which people find worrying, because they do not recognise

the necessity for change.

We

Under the proposals of the present Bill the rights of movement

enjoyed by Hong Kong belongers as Citizens of the British Dependent

Territories will be no different from those they have at present.

certainly accept that there is a case for changes in the Bill to bring it

into line with previous practice recognising services rendered to the Crown.

As the Bill progresses through the Committee we will be able to apply what

we have learned here in forming judgments on matters affecting Hong Kong.

We greatly sympathise with the view frequently expressed to

us that it is important for Hong Kong belongers to enjoy proper international

recognition and treatment and we shall impress this point on H.M. Government.

British diplomatic missions will have a duty to provide full consular

protection to holders of CBDT passports.

We regret that the introduction into Parliament of the

Nationality Bill has occasioned doubts about the strength of the British

Government's continuing commitment to Hong Kong. We believe that it is the

wish of the British Government and people that the links between us should

be firmly maintained and on our return we shall call upon H.M. Government

to take every opportunity to demonstrate that this remains their policy.