TNAG-1224-FCO40-1537-Visits-to-the-UK-by-official-and-unofficial-members-of-the-E-1983 — Page 88

SECRET

12.

Consideration is now being given to other ways of enlisting the

UNHCR's help in seeking permanent solutions for the refugees

awaiting resettlement in Hong Kong and we shall be submitting

separately on this shortly

DISCRETIONARY REGISTRATION UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT.

(DEFENSIVE)

Cin

?

13. Section 4 of BNA provides for discretionary registration as British citizens for those with Crown Service in Dependent

Territories or for members of any body established under the Crown.

The Home Secretary will exercise his descretion sparingly. Applicants will be judged principally on the nature and quality of their service, and their connections with the UK will obviously be

relevant. Criteria will be strict, and successful applications will

be the exception rather than the rule.

arese

14. Concern of Unofficials and Hong Kong civil servants stems from

the anxiety that a future Chinese administration might not look

kindly on prominent service under the Crown. Much press and public interest in Hong Kong after the Local Inspectors' Association of the

Royal Hong Kong Police Force asked their members' permission to represent them in "negotiations" with HMG over their right of abode

in the UK. Hong Kong Government's public line is that it is

premature to speculate about these questions while talks are going

on in Peking. Most Civil Service Unions, and senior police

management, have agreed with this.