TNAG-1084-FCO40-1334-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 156

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misunderstanding about the intent and implications of the Bill. Lest there should be any doubt regarding our position, we would like to make it clear that we seek only to preserve our British National identity and the protection implicit in that designation. To this end we most strongly urge the inclusion of a new clause in the Bill, on the lines suggested by the Governor, to put the position beyond doubt. We would reiterate that we do not seek a right of abode in the U.K.

We see this National identity issue as being of critical importance to our future relations with the United Kingdom, and the confinement of our British connection to the CBDT title as implying that when Hong Kong ceases to be British so will our British National status and protection be withdrawn. We seek urgent and unequivocal assurances on this point.

Yours sincerely, your willin the Chung

и

(S.Y. Chung)

лд

Senior Unofficial Member

of Executive Council for and on behalf of the Unofficial Members of the Executive

and Legislative Councils

Hong Kong

c.c.

SYC/1w

The Rt. Hon. William Whitelaw, CH, MC, DI, Secretary of State for the Home Department

via

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

London