TNAG-1081-FCO40-1331-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 89

CONFIDENTIAL

as at present such CBDTs would first have

to have obtained an unconditional right of

entry to the UK.

7. To back up these possible amendments to the Bill there would have to be a substantial ministerial statement outside the Bill about our close links with Hong Kong and our commitment to the support of the Territory (ie the psychological massage).

8. The Home Office did not shy away from this package. They

insisted that their Ministers would take a lot of convincing.

But they agreed with us that we should not try to make any firm decisions on any of these points until after the Governor's

visit.

9. You will wish to tell the Governor about the exchanges we

have had with the Home Office when you see him on 9 March. The Department is preparing a 'child's guide' for the Secretary of

State's use for his box this weekend. It would be useful to

know if you think we can make any headway with the package

outlined in paragraphs 6 and 7 above, which we shall include in

the brief for the Secretary of State.

10. On the other side of the coin, Lord Carrington may have to

tell Sir Murray that we think this is the maximum we can get

for Hong Kong, that it is by no means in the bag and that he

may not discuss the detail with Unofficials until he receives

instructions. The Home Office officials will not float our ideas

with the Home Secretary until they judge the moment is auspicious.

6 March 1981

CONFIDENTIAL

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Artmald

A E Donald