TNAG-1085-FCO40-1335-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 113

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DSR 11C

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being admitted to

forming

It would of course be made clear that CBDTs were not forming

a

..branch...

of British Citizenship. (this wouldbe.

politically necessary-here).

3.

expect

We accopt, that if they agree this form of formula,

Home Office Ministers might prefer to omit the brackets

round the name of the territory in the alternative

designation. We are telegraphing Peking as to whether this

would cause difficulties with the Chinese Government.

4. 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. The Lord

Privy Seal is writing to Mr Whitelaw on these lines.

proposal of

He will mention your preferenee for a 'British National'

formula and will explain your concerns fully. But he will

on balance suggest the solution in paragraph

5.

above.

The timing of the introduction of an amendment would

depend on the fate of the Gibraltar amendment and of any

consequential Falkland Islands amendment in Parliament.

If it becomes necessary it will of course be important to

avoid any wire crossing in the way of lobbying of Lords or

Commons Members. It would be particularly unfortunate

if a rival motion on 'British national' lines were

introduced since it would almost certainly be opposed by

HMG..

6.

+

Please take no action at this stage with EXCO. We will

telegraph when and i

if interdepartmental ministerial

agreement is reached,

Enable

to brily you

hern.

CONFIDENTIAL

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