TNAG-1192-FCO40-1494-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 98

SECRET

Reference

185

Mr Howells

NTD

HONG KONG PASSPORTS

HAK340||

Arza

1. I am not happy about the principle of the citizens of dependent territories for which WIAD is responsible being treated in a different way from those of Hong Kong. While of course, recognising that there are great political sensitivities on Hong Kong, Gibraltar and the Falklands, we, for our part, have a responsibility for securing fair treatment for other dependent territories. In our view all should be treated alike on passports.

2.

The people of Bermuda, for example, of whom about forty per cent are of British stock, have a stronger claim to be described as British 'nationals' than the Chinese in Hong Kong. If the term 'British national' does not convey special privileges, it is hard

to see the objection of extending it to the other dependent territories. The total population of the WIAD dependent territories is just over 100,000. Historically, the pattern has not been of migration to the UK. People in the Caribbean dependent territories go mainly to the USA and to other countries in the region.

3. It is correct to say that there is no current pressure from our dependent territories on the British national' issue, but it could well build up once the special treatment being given to Hong Kong, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands became apparent.

27 October 1982

сс

B Attewell

West Indian and Atlantic Department WH MZ 37

233 7273

Mr Partridge, MVD

Mr Holmes, Passport Office Mr Brind, Consular Dept

Mr Clift, HKGD

Mr Elliot, FED

Mr Fearn, FID

Dr Wilson, SED

Mr Carruthers, SPD

Mr Hill, Legal Advisers

Mr. Mc Aglia

Лиман,

8467110

ра