TNAG-1084-FCO40-1334-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 187

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takeover of Hong Kong in conditions which would make thousands of

Hong Kong Chinese seek entry to the United Kingdom.

If we handle

the diplomatic and political problems of the end of the Lease

correctly, there will be no emergency in Hong Kong of this kind.

The vast majority of people in Hong Kong fully accept that they

have no right of abode in the United Kingdom. Moreover, to suggest

in Parliament or publicly that there could be a catastrophe in

connection with Hong Kong will have the effect of undermining

confidence in the future of the territory, and we have a strong

interest in preventing such a slide of confidence.

2. I understand, however, that Mr Luce considers that we should

not put our 'fall-back position' to the Home Office. He believes

that we have already used up too much of our credibility with the

Home Office by asking them to look at Sir Murray MacLehose's

earlier suggestions on British nationals.

Mr Adams and I prepared

FCO telegram No 445 of 8 May for Mr Luce in order to explain the

political background to the Governor of Hong Kong.

3.

After receiving that telegram and having spoken from it to

UMELCO, the Governor is still having very great difficulty in Hong

Kong. I submit therefore that we have no choice but to continue

to do battle on behalf of Hong Kong with the Home Office, especially

since our fall-back position would not involve any further amendment

to the Bill.

H

254

Mr Adams has seen these minutes and while sharing NTD's and

Mr Luce's opposition to going back again to the Home Office, agrees

that we must at least submit the issue once again to Ministers.

4.

Aktonald

14 May 1981

A E Donald

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