TNAG-1086-FCO40-1336-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 174

Dependent Territories.

9.

that we

There is no doubt in the Government's view of the strength of the links between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom whatever it is that binds them. Neither can there be any doubt, in the Government's view that the status. of British Dependent Territories citizen [NB not CBDT] is a 'British' status. I am sure that there can be no grounds whatever for fearing that this will not be understood. But, my Lords, having decided - and this surely is common to all parties and groups need a distinctive citizenship for the United Kingdom we have to create different statuses for the dependencies and the other categories avoiding the doubt, dispute and recrimination which has arisen from our present laws, particularly over the immigration consequences. This we have done. For the reasons we have given we cannot now blur that distinction without seriously undermining one of the basic purposes of this nationality legislation.

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