TNAG-1190-FCO40-1492-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 49

FCS/82/131

HOME SECRETARY

SECRET

PA.

Mr. Hoare.

Д

NXTD st. PS

26

૨

Ps/Lord Belot ea d Lord N. Gordo

hennar.

Mr. Donald

HEGIS

MUD

нак 3401

WED

Su I.

Mr. Res.

Jour

15/9

个

Af

Proposal by Hong Kong to describe British Dependent Territories Citizens as 'British Nationals' in Passports

See (127

HAK 026/10 €3

1. As you know, there has been an exchange of correspondence between our two Departments about the proposal by officials of the Hong Kong Executive and Legislative Councils that the term 'British National' should be entered in British passports issued by the Governor of Hong Kong. You have recorded your strong opposition to the Hong Kong proposal, while we continue to see very strong foreign policy reasons, connected with the broader issue of the future of Hong Kong, for agreeing to it.

128)

131

MKK 345/4

2. I recognise that this proposal raises very difficult issues

for you as well as for us. It needs careful consideration and I

do not think we should attempt to reach a decision before the Prime Minister's visit to Hong Kong. The issue is nevertheless

bound to be raised with her while she is in Hong Kong. I suggest that the Prime Minister could take the line that she is aware of this issue and wanted to hear the views of the people of

Hong Kong at first hand. She could say that we are carefully considering Hong Kong's suggestion and could undertake to give the matter urgent attention on her return.

3. If you agree, we will amend the brief for the Prime Minister

on these lines before her departure and set out the background in

a little more detail.

SECRET

/I