UUNT IDLINAL
7
British ationality Bill
9.
Mr. 0.V. CHEUNG expressed UMELCO's disappointment
!
at HMG's reaction to Hong Kong's representations on the
Nationality Bill, now the British Nationality Act. HMG
had claimed there were legal and technical reasons for
not defining nationality under the Nationality Bill.
However, with the greatest respect, it was felt these
reasons had not been explained satisfactorily and they
were incomprehensible to Members. The LPS said the rights
of Hong Kong's British subjects had in no way been changed.
BDTCS and BCs were equally British. However, if BDTC
status created difficulties for Hong Kong people, HMG must
be informed and would wish/re-examine the position.
to
10.
Mr. CHEUNG said the first difficulty arose from
what we would write down in forms calling for a declaration
of "nationality". Mr. T.S. LO said originally we were told
that the Bill was simply an immigration measure, but it d
had implications far beyond the immigration sphere. ⠀⠀⠀⠀
Miss Lydia DUNN said the majority of Hong Kong people did
not travel widely. They simply wanted to know what they
were.
Sir S.Y. CHUNG said that before the Act we were
identified/and could call ourselves British subjects, but
this was no longer the case.
as
11.
Mr. Q.V. CHEUNG said it was appreciated that the
Act was not going to be changed in the immediate future.
But he hoped the FCO would ask their lawyers to examine
/P.8
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