TNAG-1189-FCO40-1491-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 27

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

DSR 11C

objection to the change but that it still must be refused for

policy and administrative reasons would lay the Prime Minister

open to strong attack and could sour the atmosphere of the

visit, at a time when sensitivity on the key question of the

future of Hong Kong will be at its peak.

14. We should therefore take up the Home Office's suggestion

of a meeting between the Secretary of State and the Home

Secretary, aiming to get a favourable decision in time for

the Prime Minister's visit (she leaves for the Far East on

16 September). It would however clearly not be possible to

reach agreement before her meeting with Hong Kong Executive

and Legislative Councillors on 8 September, The Governor

has undertaken to steer the Councillors off the subject and

has advised that Lord Belstead, whom they will see on

7 September, should inform them that the matter is still

under consideration, without commitment.

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING S E CRET