TNAG-1086-FCO40-1336-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 100

CONFIDENTIAL

BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL: HOUSE OF LORDS' LORD GEDDES' AMENDMENT

Need for Uniformity of Treatment of Dependent Territories

1.

Amendment would apply to all Dependent Territories and bring

the format of their citizenship title into line with the other

main categories.

HMG's Attitre

2. HMG welcome the opportunity at the same time to stress the

close connection between the United Kingdom and the Dependent

Territories.

Hong Kong

3. HMG are aware of Hong Kong's concern to underline their

links with the United Kingdom. HMG's commitment to maintain

these links often repeated.

Lord Kadoorie

4.

Remains strong as ever.

Congratulations on Lords Kadoorie's maiden speech.

Clear

exposition of Hong Kong's success and aspirations by a friend

of Hong Kong and Britain.

Concern about Hong Kong Residents if Territory ceases to be British (May be raised by Lord Kadoorie

5. In the first place no sudden change in Hong Kong's status likely.

In any case this Bill would in no way weaken HMG's commitment to

continue to protect people in Hong Kong. We shall, of course, ensure that their

interests are protected in the future. There would be no question

of any change in the status of BDTCs from Hong Kong without the

consent of Parliament.

CONFIDENTIAL