TNAG-1084-FCO40-1334-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 167

255

1264

Mr Donald

HONG KONG:

Enter

ни

Mur Dance

HIDRAT/ 34011

RECEIVED IN

CONDI DENTAL

26 MAY 1981

DESK OFACER

INDEX

REGISTRY

Action Taken,

I have sent 2

265

Voleprams to Sir M Machehore. A $2/5

cc: Mr Adams

Mr Jones NTD

↑ pas all cared with bott Mr. Blaker and

NATIONALITY BILL

Mr. Luce.

1. As I mentioned, the Governor telephoned me this morning to find out

what reaction the Secretary of State had given to the Department's

submission recommending a compromise formula in response to the Home

Secretary's refusal to agree to an amendment to the Bill.

2. I explained to Sir M MacLehose, after taking him through, in some

detail, Mr Whitelaw's minute of 11 May, that the majority of Ministers

in the Office had advised against Lord Carrington returning to the

charge. However, the Secretary of State had asked Mr Blaker to put

the compromise proposal to Mr Raison. The latter had agreed only to

consider the possibility of a statement in the House, but was opposed

to the entry of UK or British National in Hong Kong passports.

However,

he was likely to have no objection to 'Holder has the right of abode

in Hong Kong' in addition to 'Citizen of the British Dependent Territor-

ies'.

3. The Governor expressed disappointment and was saddened that the Home

Office could not be more accommodating. As he had reported (Hong Kong

Telegram Number 511), he was having a difficult time with Unofficials

and two of the most senior were to call on him this evening to discuss

further steps. He was also having a meeting on nationality tomorrow.

What he now needed was briefing with which to defend the views of

Ministers in London.

4.

He asked specifically for the following:

a) what would Ministers be prepared to say in the House of Commons

by way of reassurance to Hong Kong;

b) what would be entered in the Hong Kong passports;

CONFIDENTIAL

/c)