CONFIDENTIAL
(vi)
by the word 'Hong Kong', should be inscribed in passports.
Certain concerns expressed by Hong Kong Crown Servants about the need to leave a loophole for registration at the Home Secretary's discretion and also stating a preference for a registration rather than a naturalisation procedure for those who have gained right of abode in the UK, were taken on board by the government, and passed in Parliament, albeit with some difficulty, as government amendments.
(vii) Ministers have also made it plain in Parliament that Hong Kong citizens remain 'British Nationals'. But this is essentially, and always has been, a description of status in international law, i.e. in treaties. It is not an immigration term. It is not and never
3.
It
has been a description of municipal citizenship. is therefore not appropriate for inscription in passports, where it could only lead to bewilderment on the part of immigration officials and possibly hinder the free movement of Hong Kong travellers.
The above argumentation is designed largely to deal with the fallback (passport title) position and not with the desire for a clause in the Bill. That would also have to be dealt with.
4. I think we should get up something to the Chief Clerk shortly after his return to the Office later this week. By then we may have a reply from Mr. Whitelaw.
12 May 1981
fee.
James
W.J. Adams
Copies to: PS/Mr. Luce
Chief Clerk or
بر
Mr. Donaldy
Mr. Clift, HKGD OV
CONFIDENTIAL
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