TNAG-1084-FCO40-1334-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 115

288

AKK 340

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

JUN 1981

Поё

DESK OFFICER

ANDEX

PA

CONFIDENTIAL

REGISTRY Action Taken

مد

fiso PLO 16/2

Mr Paterson

Nationality & Treaty Department

(CL 501)

278

NATIONALITY BILL: HONG KONG TELEGRAM NO 549

1. I can see the difficultiy of replying otherwise than in paragraph 1 of your draft telegram. It does, however, worry me that the impression is given that the preferential treatment accorded to British Citizens in foreign countries might in fact be increased vis-à-vis their counterparts in Dependent Territories if the demands of the lobbyists are met.

2. At the least I think we should reassure Hong Kong that we are drawing the Home Office's attention forcibly to the anomaly. I suggest the addition of the following words at the end of paragraph 1:

'We are drawing their attention to the fact that any concessions to British Citizens living in foreign countries would exacerbate an existing

anomaly and would probably lead to counter protests.'

3. I would be grateful if, in addition, a copy of Hong Kong telegram No 549 could go to the Home Office under cover of a letter on the lines of the attached draft.

Dist

916187

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

CONFIDENTIAL