TNAG-1193-FCO40-1495-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1982 — Page 17

CODE 18.77

(273)

Mr Howells

NTD

CL 537

CONFIDENTIAL

No

Reference........

(2.75

Η

HKK 340/1

B Zwecksiy

2 upl

LDB

Vated GB

3/20/12

BNA 1981 AND HONG KONG

1.

We spoke. I have discussed your minute of

14 December and the attached draft telegram with

Mr Clift. We agree that it would be sensible to inform Governors, on a personal basis, of the Home Secretary's likely attitude, but have the following comments on your draft:

(a)

(b)

Paragraph 5:

We think that the first sentence will cause difficulties, and would prefer it to be replaced by:

'The main consideration will be the nature and quality of the service rendered to the Crown by the person concerned, taking into account any special circumstances of his/her employment'. The word 'holidays' in the last line also seems odd: we would suggest 'substantial periods'as an alternative;

العالمية

GBS/1

it is not clear from the draft whether any action is required from the Governors. Telegram number 1069 269 to Hong Kong, issued by NTD, suggests that Governors may be expected to 'filter' applications before they are passed on to the Home Secretary. If this is so, I suggest it should be clearly stated in your letter. I doubt, however, if Governors would wish to do this, as they have no delegated authority in this area: they might, on the other hand, be prepared to let it be known in their territories that the Home Secretary would use his discretion sparingly. Either way, a final paragraph spelling out their role would be helpful.

16 December 1982

RJ F Hoare

Hong Kong and General Department WH 312

233 4439

CONFIDENTIAL