TNAG-1189-FCO40-1491-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 77

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5 Mr Griffiths emphasised that something must be done as the resentment created by the effects of the Act were already having an impact on British trade.

6 Mr Freeland said that Mr Freeland and Mr Pakenham-Walsh agreed with Mr Griffiths that there was no legal objection to Hong Kong's proposal. Mr Addison said there was the difficulty of the definition of a UK National for EC purposes. There would be difficulties in using the term British subiect as this now had only limited meaning and in the wider sense could only be replaced by Commonwealth citizen. Mr Pakenham-Walsh said that if the principle of the proposal was accepted he would prefer the term British National. Mr Griffiths agreed.

7 Mr Freeland said that the problem needed careful consideration. Although there were no legal objections there were possible legal complications, for example the varying definitions of UK Nationals in Treaties. Mr Griffiths said that it was important that some indication of a decision should reach Hong Kong before the Prime Minister's visit.