TNAG-1085-FCO40-1335-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 135

POINTS TO MAKE

GIBRALTAR AND CITIZENSHIP OF THE BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES

(CBDT)

1. To condone a fundamental change in the nature of CBDT would create difficulties with other dependencies, especially Hong Kong.

2.

We have argued strenously in both Houses that CBDT is a homogeneous category and not a second class citizenship.

3. We should continue to take this line despite the unlikelihood of reversing the Gibraltar amendment.

4. If the Gibraltar amendment is not reversed, it will be very difficult credibly to resist an amendment making the Falklanders British citizens, yet if this were carried, it would increase the difficulties with Hong Kong.

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