TNAG-1084-FCO40-1334-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 133

Mr Morice (HKGD)

6277

HKR 340/1

RECEIVES

- 5 JUN 1981

DESK OFFICER

MR3

PS/MTY

PS/Mr Luce

INDEX

PA

Acton Tekan

$8.6

NATIONALITY BILL: HONG KONG

1.

Thank you. The letter to Mr Kaisa

has been sent by hand. *

CC:

Sir E Youde

Mr Donald

Mr Adams

Mlickerd

3/

Mr Jones NTD

Pas 1016 * Amcended passage for insertion

agreed with NTD, Leg. Advisers: SEE over

I understand that Mr Luce may have the opportunity of making a

statement on Hong Kong this afternoon when the House considers the

amendments to Clause 4. I therefore attach a Speaking Note which is

based on the earlier assurances given by the Home Secretary.

MK 41.

2. According to NTD, it is the Home Secretary's intention during the

Third Reading Debate tomorrow to give the following reassurance by way

of explanation for the introduction of a separate category of 'Citizen

of the British Dependent Territories':-

'I do, however, want to stress yet again that the Bill in no way

alters the United Kingdom's special relationship with her dependencies.

Our moral and constitutional ties with them, both individual and

collective, remain as strong as ever.

?

3. This will be well received in Hong Kong but it does not go far

enough since no mention is made of the status of United Kingdom National

to which Hong Kong attach great importance. I suggest, therefore,

that Mr Luce ask the Home Secretary to add the following to his proposed

statement:-

280 4.

'I would add that the Citizens of British Dependent Territories of

course remain United Kingdom Nationals and, as such, will continue

to enjoy our protection in the sphere of international relations.'

I attach a draft letter to Mr Raison.

3 June 1981

f

Morrice

P Morrice

Hong Kong and General Department