TNAG-1085-FCO40-1335-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 100

DSR 11C

It is certainly

the most that

tre com. expect K get in the political circumstances and we have

5.

We are suggesting

this to Home Office Ministers who

if they agree this formula may prefer to omit the brackets

round the name of the territory in the alternative

designation.

We are telegraphing Poking as to whether

this would cause difficulties with the Chinese Government.

6. Given the political and parliamentary constraints here this solution seems a good deal for Hong Kong if

we can persuade Home Office Ministers to support it. It will of course be important to avoid any wire crossing in the way of lobbying of Lords or Commons Members and it would be particularly unfortunate if a rival amendment

on 'British national'lines were introduced since it would

certainly have to be opposed by HMG. We must on the one hand preserve MG's principal aims in the Bill, and on the other maintain confidence among people in Hong Kong over HMG's political support for them.

7. Please take no action at this stage with EXCO.

We

F. face the

Jock that we

will telegraph when and if interdepartmental ministerial agreement is reached, to enable you to brief them.

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cannot gumauften k

achieve even hat

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