FROM SIR. MURRAY MACLEHOSE
298
Enter
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE
GRAFTON S
EET
LONDON WIX 3 L B
6
ник 340 (I ३५%1
RECEIVED IN PAPY NO. 51
26 JUN 1981
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
Aceon Tagga
No
$20.7
Par 2012
24 June, 1981
I was so sorry that we could not meet during my very short visit to London and sorrier still to hear it was because you were ill. I do hope you have a quick recovery.
My purpose in seeing you was primarily to talk about the Nationality Bill now before the Lords. You may remember that when the original Green Paper was published, as the Minister in charge, you wrote a letter to UMELCO assuring them that it was not the Government's intention in the eventual bill to derogate in any way from current arrangements for Hong Kong people. This letter was much quoted when the draft Bill was published and it was found that there were some derogations. I thought you would like to know that as a result of amendments they have introduced, the Government have completely fulfilled your pledge. If the Bill goes through as it now stands, legally there will be no change with regard to entry and abode in the UK, naturalisation or registration as a British Citizen, or the protection afforded to Hong Kong belongers travelling in third countries or HMG's relationship with and commitment to Hong Kong and its people.
There is therefore no need for concern on your part that a successor government has gone back on your word.
However, the Bill has come as a severe psychological shock to people in Hong Kong, not so much because it has changed current practices, as it has made them review what these practices are and realise the degree of their exposure.
The effect of the latter has been
Lord Goronwy-Roberts, House of Lords,
London, SW1.
.../.
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