TNAG-1084-FCO40-1334-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 168

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c) what were the reasons for Ministers refusing an amendment to the

5.

Bill as proposed by Hong Kong?

I said that it had been your intention in any case to send a

telegram today explaining the outcome of ministerial deliberations and

that I would suggest to you that the above points be covered.

On (a),

I said that this would presumably be a reiteration of what Mr Luce

had said in Committee. As for (b), it would be the CBDT formula plus

an option to include 'Holder has the right of abode in Hong Kong' or

something like it. On (c), this would be spelt out in our telegram.

6. I attach a draft telegram covering these points, which you will

no doubt wish to adjust to reflect your discussion with Mr Blaker.

I attach a second draft telegram based on the draft notes which Mr Jones

attached to his minute of 14 May to Mr Adams, which the Governor might

find useful as guidance on which to draw in case he gets into detailed

discussion. If Mr Adams or Mr Jones have comments, perhaps they could

let you have them direct.

7. Sir Murray said that the threat of Unofficials coming to London to

lobby Ministers was again very real; I said that my own guess was that

they would not be seen at Secretary of State level, and that the most

they could hope for would be to be received by Mr Blaker and/or Mr Luce

and possibly Mr Raison, although the latter two might resist.

this was only a personal view.

However,

21 May 1981

P. Morrice

P Morrice

Hong Kong and General Department

CONFIDENTIAL