TNAG-1190-FCO40-1492-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 92

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SECRET

DSR 11C

I am sorry to have written at such length but this indicates

my concern. It would obviously be extremely helpful to the

Prime Minister if we could advise her that the Hong Kong

request for the description 'British national' can be

granted.

Otherwise she will be open to strong attack on this

emotive subject when she visits Hong Kong on 26-28 September,

and this could sour the atmosphere of the visit at a time

when sensitivity on the key question on the future of Hong

Kong will be at its peak. At this stage I am copying this

letter to Number 10 as background to the subject.

SECRET