TNAG-1082-FCO40-1332-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 129

Mr Donald

Dopald

RECEIVER

CONFIDENTIAL

HKK 340/1i

**Y NO. 51

2 3 MAR 1981

DESK OFFICER INDEX

REGISTRY

PA

Acton Texan

11.4

50

(148

NATIONALITY BILL

1. Hong Kong Telegram No 295. I have discussed with Mr Jones the question put in paragraph 4 as to whether it would be possible for Unofficials to comment on the wording of amendments. There may be difficulty about getting a detailed endorsement from Hong Kong of texts which are to be put to Parliament, Even granted that EXCO is a pretty secure body, there could be problems over parliamentary privilege. Moreover, we need to avoid cutting across any discussions between the Home Secretary and Lord Carrington.

2. On the other hand, it clearly is important that the Unofficials should know more precisely than they do at present what is being suggested, particularly on Crown Service where the Governor has had to leave a good deal in the hands of the Home Office. I hope that when we get the Home Office's preliminary proposals on texts (probably towards the end of this week), we shall be able to authorise the Governor to inform EXCO of the substance of what is proposed. Until we have a clear picture of the next move by the Home Office, however, I do not think we need reply to Hong Kong's telegram.

Bij

17 March 1981

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

се

Mr Adams

Mr Jones, NTD

agree.

I

J

поре

we

can prevail

to

the tome office to

let us send texts

to Hong Kong before the final acceptance

of anything by Lord Carrington. This should

since both Ministers undentand

be posible suice

Sir Murray's predicament

Mr. Cupo

$13

in Stony Kong But keep in touch wightste Home office.

CONFIDENTIAL

with his people

Artmald

1873