TNAG-1086-FCO40-1336-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 187

CONFIDENTIAL

LORD

PRIVY

SEAL

1374

4. It would, I believe, be reasonable to prepare a suitable clause

as put forward in David Trefgarne's letter of 28 September to

Tim Raison. This action would of course be entirely confidential

and without commitment as to the clause's use. A decision on whether

or not to introduce such a clause at the Third Reading in the Lords

would have to be based on a careful assessment of the likely voting

in the Commons on the Gibraltar amendment. This could be made around

18 October. I am prepared to accept that, if we were then confident

that the Gibraltar amendment would be defeated in the Commons we

should not introduce the clause in the Lords. However, if it were

agreed that the amendment was likely to survive it would be important

to limit the damage to our relations with Hong Kong by offering the

fall-back. We might of course need also to consider our line on any

amendment put in by Lord Geddes.

5. If you agree, we shall be prepared to submit a formula for

early discussion.

9 October 1981

CONFIDENTIAL