TNAG-1191-FCO40-1493-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 52

E.R.

to make

160. Moreover, if one category of former citizens of the

United Kingdom and Colonies judged to be a special case, could establish a misleading precedent.

ethor former citicons of the United Kingdom and Gotonier may well

wondop whether they too should content themselveo with Briti

Dependent Territories oitizenship or Britisk, Overseas citizenstrip.

After all, why should what is not good enough for the Falkland

Ielanders be good enough for them. I need, however, hardly say,

my Lords, that the Government take the view that it is, on

alter the

immigration grounds, quite out of the question to give pay citizenship categories of

compensatory concofrions-te either the remaining British Dependent

Territories citizens or e-British Overseas citizens.

16D. British Overseas citizens, where eligible, enjoy the special

benefits of the special voucher scheme, which is in itself a

recognition, appropriate to the circumstances, of their special

situation. I would suggest that the special steps taken by the

Government (to admit the Falkland Islanders to this country whether

they have the right of abode or not) are equally an appropriate way

of responding to the special circumstances of the particular situation.

To grant the Islanders British citizenship, even where their connection

lay with the Falkland Islands alone, might not be so suitable a step.

!

It would certainly be contrary to the logic of the Act.

16E. In the light of all these considerations, my Lords, it is right

that we should ask ourselves very carefully whether an exception for

the Falkland Islanders would be justified.

2.