CONFIDENTIAL
Present Nationality Position of British Dependent Territories
Citizens
4.
Under the British Nationality Act 1981 BDTCs who have been resident in the UK for 5 years have an entitlement to registration
as British citizens. Someone who has been in Crown service under
the Government of a dependent territory (eg Hong Kong) may be registered at the Secretary of State's discretion without residence
in the UK, paying regard to the special circumstances of the
individual case. Applications will be considered on their merits but it has always been the intention to use this provision very sparingly. I must stress the importance of securing an agreement which will encourage Hong Kong people to continue living and working in Hong Kong.
Civil Service Pensions
5. Civil Service pensions are a charge to the revenue of the Hong Kong Government. They have always been met. There is no
reason to believe that the Government of the territory will not continue to carry out its obligations before or after 1997.
Split Between HMG and UMELCO
6. There is no question of a split with the Unofficials.
Collaboration with the Unofficials, including the EXCO Unofficials
who are the Governor's confidential advisers, remains close.
are an important source of advice.
What if no Agreement can be Reached?
7.
We are working for a
That is a hypothetical question. successful conclusion of the negotiation.
They
CONFIDENTIAL
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