TNAG-1086-FCO40-1336-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 63

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Mr Donald

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CONFIDENTIAL

NATIONALITY BILL: HONG KONG

HKK 34011

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

3 NVivo!

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

& 4M

مدل

REGISTRY

Action Taken

Parostu

1. In a personal message to the Lord Privy Seal in Hong Kong Telegram No 973, the Governor described the strong concern of Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils (UMELCO) as a result of HMG's decision not after all to seek to reverse the 'Gibraltar amendment' in the Commons.

See (459

2. As a result, the Governor agreed to prompt Sir Paul Bryan to seek assurances about the future status of British Dependent Territories' citizens (BDTCs), with a clear eye to the future of Hong Kong (see Hong Kong Telegram No 974).

الهام

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3. By agreement with PS/LPS ( in the latter's absence in Luxembourg), officials have considered urgently with the Home Office what reply should be recommended to Sir Paul Bryan's points. It is not possible to give the specific assurances in (c) and (d) of Hong Kong Telegram No 974. The Government cannot undertake that the inhabitants of Dependent Territories will enjoy their present national status if their territories cease to be British. This is not after all the position under the present CUKC arrangements. Of course, what Hong Kong have in mind is not independence but a possible takeover by China, but it would not be possible or politically realistic to suggest that in those circumstances anyone who did not wish to become Chinese could automatically retain his BDTC status.

4. The problem is therefore to give an answer which is as reassuring as possible and which, while not committing HMG unreasonably does not damage confidence in Hong Kong. The attached text, which is being submitted to Mr Whitelaw, stresses the British commitment and makes the point that only Parliament can take away people's BDTC status.

5. We considered trying to get agreement with the Governor and Sir Paul Bryan to get the latter to alter the terms of his question. However, even if there were time, this would not be sensible. The Governor is under great pressure from UMELCO and it would damage his position with them if he agreed to weaken their points at the request of British Government Departments.

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6. The Governor's message in Hong Kong Telegram No 973 requires an answer. I will submit a reply from the LPS after the debate in the House today.

27 October 1981

cc PS/LPS

PS/Lord Trefgarne PS/Mr Luce

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

Mr Adams

Mr Howells/Mr Jones, NTD

CONFIDENTIAL