TNAG-1377-FCO40-1825-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 96

(b)

(c)

(d)

- 2 -

We further accept that the question of

nationality should also be addressed in

the same bill as it is contained in the

Exchange of Memoranda, thus reaffirming

HMG's commitment to the British nationals

in Hong Kong.

We consider that clause 2(1) (b) of the

Schedule to the Bill to be vague and could

be construed as giving the Government a

"blank cheque" in specifying the new form

of British nationality. It is therefore

essential that the nomenclature of the new

form of British nationality for the HK

BDTCS be included in this clause.

The amendment tabled by Mr Enoch Powell is

disturbing in that, in effect, it is an attempt

to defeat HMG's proposal to confer upon the

BDTCS of Hong Kong an appropriate status. Α

defeat, although unlikely, would certainly be

an obstacle to the implementation of the Joint

Declaration.

Is it possible that Mr Powell

is trying to force HMG to renege on her obligations

under the UK Memorandum altogether? This move

should be viewed with the utmost suspicion and

stoutly opposed. In any event, the issue of

Hong Kong BDTCs new status should not be

jeopardised by other questions of British

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