SECRET
It might well be available to local Have kang chinese, as well as BOTCS,
X
all'?
P
X
Though a logical approach to a new situation, it would probably be regarded in Hong Kong as inferior to BDTC status.
(6)
Local Hong Kong Citizenship.
A local
citizenship could be created and guaranteed by the local constitution.
Chamon
To
Although the UK might
citizens internationally Proove ward
necessary
be possible to distinguish
have
a
still protect Hong Kong as caretaker, it might
former BDTCS, who
much stranger them from persons who were British nationals by
protection virtue of possessing a citizenship created by the
this option. British Nationality Act 1981. But it would
probably be resisted by the Chinese as smacking
also too much of independence. It would however
vaitraclive
BDTC
сему
be unlikely to have any attractions for people in Hong Kong, since it would be seen as weakening the effectiveness of the British link. Conversely, it
might proove
without any
{
attractive Too The 2 million teang hay chinese now British citizenship.
сл
(7) Chinese Citizenship. The Chinese might well
take the view that the retention of any form of
British citizenship was incompatible with British
recognition of Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong, and demand that Hong Kong Chinese without the right of abode in another country should become Chinese citizens for all purposes. Although there are numerous precedents for depriving inhabitants of newly independent territories of their British citizenship, Hong Kong would be in a different position if British administration continued.
The ending of British citizenship would also be likely to damage confidence so severely that it could lead to widespread demands from BDTCs for admission to the UK, even though they had no
right of abode in this country. It could therefore have serious immigration implications.
(8) Dual Citizenship.
Since the Chinese
5
SECRET
/Government
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.