TNAG-1378-FCO40-1826-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 14

CONFIDENTIAL

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The Government recognised that the House would wish to

know the main parameters of the proposed legislation. For

this reason the framework for the subordinate legislation

is clearly stated in the Schedule to the Bill. The Order

will make provisions for the removal of Hong Kong with

effect from 1 July 1997 from the list of dependent

territories in Schedule 6 to the British Nationality Act

It mes abro provida. 198,and for the acquisition of a new status to be known as British National (Overseas) by persons who are on 30 June 1997, British Dependent Territories citizens by virtue

of a connection with Hong Kong. The Order will define clearly to whom these provisions will apply.

The new title was announced by my rt hon and learned

Friend, the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary in the

debate on the Second Reading of the Bill in another place.

I am glad to be able to report that reactions in Hong Kong

to the new title were generally favourable. As a result

of this an amendment was introduced into the Bill at the

committee stage in another place to incorporate the title

of the new form of nationality into the Bill.

It was not easy to devise a title which meets all the

necessary requirements. On the one hand, it needs to make

clear that we are dealing with a form of British nationality. Nothing less would be acceptable in Hong

Kong.

On the other hand, it is essential that the title

can be used after 1997 and therefore that it carries no

implication of a continuing constitutional relationship

CONFIDENTIAL