TNAG-1086-FCO40-1336-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 165

A)

NEED TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG

HMG understand and share importance of maintaining confidence.

Can best be achieved by friends of Hong Kong making clear that

Nationality Bill has no bearing on our continuing links with

and support for the Territory. Otherwise real misunderstandings

can arise which themselves will affect confidence.

B)

FUTURE OF HONG KONG - 1997

C)

D)

As HMG have made clear future of Hong Kong rests on twin

pillars of excellent realtions with China and HMG's continuing

commitment. However, Nationality Bill is not place to

legislate on the latter.

ASSISTANCE TO DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS TRAVELLING ABROAD

As I have made clear, we maintain our consular responsibilities

for CBDTs and others covered by the Bill and will exercise

them. Again this piece of legislation is not the appropriate

place to provide for such an undertaking. I am confident

that we can ensure that foreign governments fully understand

that our responsibilities remain and are not diminished by the

Bill.

―

UK RELATIONSHIP WITH HONG KONG POLITICAL AND COMMERCIAL

Noble Lords have suggested that there is a risk to our

relationship with Hong Kong if amendments are not made

emphasising the Britishness of CBDTs. HMG fully share the

need to maintain this relationship. We are of course alive

to the importance of our commercial opportunities in the

dependencies, particularly Hong Kong. But I must repeat

that nothing in the Bill diminishes either our obligations

or our determination to encourage British trade and

investment in these areas.

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