TNAG-1084-FCO40-1334-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 77

CONFIDENTIAL

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6.

Mr Jones also said that he saw grave problems about (b) in the Hong Kong suggestion because the use of the term 'British' separated from the rest of the citizenship status would go against the whole purpose of the Bill. I pointed out that nevertheless, if the Gibraltar lobby were successful, we would in political terms face very serious problems in our relations with Hong Kong (and with other Dependent Territories). It would be difficult enough to hold Hong Kong from demanding British Citizenship for themselves and our relations over the whole range of difficult subjects could be gravely damaged. Therefore I did not think that we should write off the Hong Kong suggestion which I saw as helpful.

7.

I also said that we would face an immediate problem with Hong Kong and other Dependent Territories if the Gibraltar motion Passed the Committee stage of the Lords. It would obviously be helpful if the Government could at once make clear its determination to continue opposing theGibraltar amendment. Any vacillation on this would create suspicion and could result in very strong counter bids being made by Hong Kong. We had to bear in kind that Sir S Y Chung, the Senior Unofficial from Hong Kong, would be in London for the Royal Wedding and would be having lunch with Mr Ridley on 28 July.

8.

•

Having said that, I am telling Mr Ford that our assessment of the parliamentary situation differs from the one he has gained and we do think that contingency planning of this sort would be premature. In particular, we would not be likely to succeed in getting Ministers to focus on a proposal of the type which Mr Ford has mentioned at this stage.

8 July 1981

Дир

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

сс

Mr Adams

Mr Jones, NTD

CONFIDENTIAL