TNAG-1081-FCO40-1331-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 5

Alternatively, if the amendment proposed at Annex D is not acceptable to the British Government because of the absence of other requirements (e.g. language, good character, etc) than residence, then it is proposed that special treatment should be sought for CBDTs in recognition of their constitutional relationship with and affinity to the United Kingdom. The amendment at Annex E would give them an entitlement to register as British citizens after three years' residence and meeting other requirements (e.g. good character etc). It is to be noted that these requirements do not include an intention to settle or reside in the UK.

F

14

If the amendments proposed in paragraphs 12 and 13 above cannot be achieved and it is necessary to have recourse to the discretionary process of naturalisation, it is proposed that the residential requirements to be met by CBDTs should be reduced from five years applicable to aliens down to three years a proposed amendment for this purpose is at Annex F.

Wives

15

Under existing legislation a woman who has at any time been married to a CUKC is entitled on application to be registered herself as a CUKC. Under the bill the only way CBDT can be acquired (apart from transitional provisions) is by naturalisation. This will mean that;

(a)

the marriage must be subsisting at the date of application rather than at any time, thus having important implications for widows and divorcees, as well as their children;

G.S. 166

CONFIDENTIAL