TNAG-1192-FCO40-1494-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 36

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ESSENTIAL FACTS

CONFIDENTIAL

1.

The 'Points to Make' follow the line taken in answer

to a written PQ from Michael Colvin MP (Briston North West) on

28 October.

2.

Hong Kong passports at present describe the holders as

Citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies'.

'British Subject:

When the British Nationality Act 1981 comes into effect on

1 January 1983 Hong Kong belongers will become British Dependent

Territories' Citizens and described as such in their passports.

3.

The Hong Kong Government, at the instigation of the

Unofficial Members of the Executive and Legislative Councils

of Hong Kong, have urged consideration of adding a phrase such

as 'British National' to the passports. They place great

importance on this as a symbol of continuing British commitment

to the Territory.

[They had pressed earlier through Lord Geddes

during the passage of the BNA for an amendment to the Act for them

to be described as 'British Nationals'. The Geddes amendment was

defeated in the Lords by only 3 votes].

4..

During her visit to Hong Kong in September the Prime

Minister said that she would look into the matter on her return

and hoped that she would be able to have 'some encouraging news'

for Hong Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL

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