TNAG-1086-FCO40-1336-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 95

ESSENTIAL FACTS

CONFIDENTIAL

THE NATIONALITY BILL

1. Hong Kong is concerned that the proposed Citizenship of British Dependent Territories (CBDT) does not sufficiently express the 'Britishness' of Hong Kong belongers and will prove 'second class' citizenship.

2.

Earlier in the year, HMG made certain amendments to the Bill to meet some of Hong Kong's points. HMG have also given repeated assurances that the Bill does not affect the UK's present relation- ship with Hong Kong. The position was reached therefore where

Hong Kong, albeit reluctantly, accepted the Bill.

3.

However, the House of Lords voted in July for an amendment to give Gibraltarians, by virtue of the EC connection, the right to become British Citizens. HMG have decided not to oppose the amendment for parliamentary reasons. The amendment has revived concerns in Hong Kong and some changes have been made on

nomenclature to emphasise the Britishness of its citizens.

4. Lord Kadoorie was introduced into the House of Lords on

14 October and made his maiden speech during the Nationality Bill debate. While it is customary to keep a maiden speech non- controversial, Lord Kadoorie spoke on the effects of the Bill upon the Territory.

21 October 1981

Hong Kong and General Department