TNAG-1084-FCO40-1334-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 186

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would make for the UK would not be materially reduced by its

introduction by administrative arrangement in passports rather than

in the Bill itself.

Bearing in mind these problems, which NTD believe

-

are major, and the fact that the reasons advanced by the Unofficials

for introduction of the title to confirm that their position as

UK Nationals in the specialised international law sense is not

changed by the Bill, that they will continue to receive consular

protection, and the immigration position into third countries have

now been answered by Ministers, there seems no case for making this

change. If a further Ministerial statement is necessary no doubt

it could be arranged; but as the Home Secretary has indicated it

poses as many problems as it answers. There have been repeated

references in Committee from all sides to the dangers associated with

the term 'nationals' in normal usage. A rational explanation to

Hong Kong why this is so is possible.

8.

NTD's views notwithstanding, I feel the political case for return-

ing to the charge with Mr Whitelaw is overwhelming.

14 May 1981

7. Morrice

P Morrice

Hong Kong and General Department

cc: PS/Mr Blaker

PS/Mr Luce

Mr Adams

Mr Jones, NTD

Mr Rushford, Legal Advisers

1.

The Home Secretary's response is disappointing.

It is a pity

that he has reverted to the ''awkward questions'' which will arise

! T

in the event of an emergency involving expulsion from their country

of residence''

This is a clear reference to some kind of Chinese

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/takeover