TNAG-1173-FCO40-1465-Future-of-Hong-Kong-special-study-by-FCO-for-the-Prime-Minis-1982 — Page 210

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(2)

British Overseas Citizenship is a residual

status to be held by those who are citizens of the

United Kingdom and Colonies but who do not have the

right of abode in the United Kingdom nor any

connection with either the UK or any existing

colony. Usually the connection is with a former

colony. It might be regarded as an appropriate status for BDTCs if Hong Kong were incorporated

in the PRC without any arrangements for continuing

British administration, but it was agreed with the

Chinese that some British connection should

continue to be recognised (at least in the case of

those who have BDTC status now). But if there were

satisfactory arrangements for continuing British administration, a change of status from British Dependent Territories citizenship to British Overseas citizenship would be regarded as a down- grading, would be resented as such by the people of Hong Kong and could undermine confidence.

(3) British Protected Person Status. This was

the usual status for the inhabitants of a

foreign territory administered by the UK. However, it would not be regarded as acceptable by people in Hong Kong, and probably not by the

PRC.

(4) British Subject Status. The term 'British

subject' is under the 1981 Act confined to certain

residual categories of people who were British subjects before 1949. It is therefore not appropriate for use in this context, though the title 'British subject' might have some attractions for people in

Hong Kong.

(5)

British Administered Territory Citizenship. A new form of citizenship (eg British Administered

Territories Citizenship) designed to reflect

accurately the new circumstances might be created by

amendment of the British Nationality Act 1981.

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/Though

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