TNAG-1190-FCO40-1492-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 104

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

T

commitment to the Colony. The consequent damage to

fncial confidence, on which the Hong Kong economy is so

dependent for its prosperity, could be extremely serious.

To run this risk for the sake of a minor technical concession

would be ill-advised.

D from

15. In fact, however, if the UK (ceased to be responsible

for Hong Kong, orfan emergency situation,IIMG would no doubt

consider depriving Hong Kong BDTCS of their citizenship. (HMG could disclaim international responsibility for the

inhabitants of Hong Kong, refusing to treat Hong Kong

BDTCS as British nationals any longer or to accept any

general obligation to admit them to British territory.).

16. We are in any case in an awkward position on the

legalities of the matter. The legal objections to the

Hong Kong request are tenuous (paragraphs 6 and 7 above)

although Lord Trefgarne firmly upheld them in the Lords

the

on 13 October 1981. At meeting with Home Office and FCO

Legal Advisers the Hong Kong Attorney General was told that

it would not be unlawful to use the term 'British national'

in passports.

To inform Hong Kong now that, any change

still must be refused for policy and administrative reasons

would lay the Prim 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 the Colony

will be at its peak.

HMG might clam thet,

In the station, th CK's Mapuability for HK had termeted as de Uk wis wide no hesht, to admit. tis ad eltarts to Bitid Pentry.

17. If the Home Office is unable to accept these arguments

Lan

they may be prepared to consider an amendment to the

general Notes at the back of the passport which would

highlight our right to protect British nationals.

CONFIDENTIAL COVERING SECRET

/18.

L

Simply making