TNAG-1105-FCO40-1355-Detention-of-Hong-Kong-British-passport-holders-in-China-1981 — Page 16

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Mr Paul FED

RECEIVE IN RESASTRY NO. 51 O APR 198!

PROTECTION OF HONG KONG BRITISH SUBJECTS IN CHA

1.

OK OFFICER

PA

REGISTRY

Action Taker

Thank you for your minute of 16 March; I attach comments by Mr Jones set out in his minute of 17 March. These deal essentiallÿ with nomenclature and do not affect the policy

2.

I find myself in sympathy with the line taken by Mr Atkinson in his letter of 25 February to Mr McLaren. Where we can clearly offer protection to Hong Kong CUKCs in China, I think this should be done. After all, we have during the current row over the Nationality Bill, made much of the point that nothing will change as regards our policy and our willingness to provide consular protection for Hong Kong Citizens abroad. It could be embarrassing if, it became known that we were, as a matter of policy, content to wash our hands of Hong Kong CUKCS when they get into trouble in China.

3. This, however, is merely an informal reaction and I suggest that clear instructions should be sent to the Embassy, presumably in the form of a letter from FED to Mr Atkinson and allowing Hong Kong to comment further. that basis.

Perhaps you would care to draft on

3 April 1981

1. More

بر

P Morrice

Hong Kong & General Department

cc: Mr Jones NTD

Mr Woodrow, Consular Department

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL

IM

3

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