TNAG-1083-FCO40-1333-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 105

Mr Clift, HK&GD

cc PS/Mr Luce

Mr Adams

CONFIDENTIAL

3401

Reference........

HKK 340

RECEIVED HI REGISTRY NO. 51 07 APR 1921

DECK OFFICER

REGISTRY

INDEX

ملل

FA

Action Taken

is 4.

fCro есто лоту 114

211

NATIONALITY BILL: SEPARATE CITIZENSHIPS FOR DEPENDENCIES

1. You will be aware of the ominous comments that came from various members of the Standing Committee last week about separate citizenships, particularly for Hong Kong. I think it is essential to the Government that there should be no ambiguity about the line in relation to Hong Kong. My strong impression from the views of members of the Committee on both sides was that the sort of separate citizenships they envisage is really one for Hong Kong, perhaps one or two more for other dependencies, and with the remaining dependencies being brought into the scheme of British citizenship. I am quite certain that they do not see a citizenship for Hong Kong within the British scheme of citizenship on anything like the lines that Hong Kong have dreamed of.

2.

I think the best course would be to let Hong Kong know in time for the Exco meeting on Tuesday that the present position in their own interest is that the Government and Hong Kong adheres rigidly to the line that has been so far put forward. Any weakening on either side cannot be in Hong Kong's interest.

3.

I attach a draft telegram.

6 April 1981

Ра

Luanes

W Jones

опер

Nationality and Treaty Department

herluft peant to her four informs that fetare content.

Mr. Merang

I have telephoned comprents

Jr.4.

as in

in pencil

CODE 18-77

f

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 105Page 106