TNAG-1387-FCO40-1835-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1986 — Page 235

01 760 2829

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T Wooley Esq Se.c (0)(C)

Ministry of Defence

Whitehall

LONDON

HRK 040/33

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NTY/85 1/387/7

21 November 1985

NATIONALITY ORDER IN COUNCIL: HONG KONG CHINESE SERVING IN HM FORCES

1.

The Hong Kong Nationality Order in Council will be debated in Parliament in mid-December, and we and the FCO are preparing briefing for Ministers. One subject on which there could conceivably be questioning during the debate is the nationality status and future of Hong Kong Chinese serving in HM Forces.

2.

I understand that there are 3 categories of Hong Kong Chinese employed by

HM Forces:

a)

those Hong Kong Chinese recruited in Hong Kong to serve in HM Forces in Hong Kong or in the Hong Kong Naval Squadron as civilians or disciplined personnel (so called LEPS and LECs);

3.

b)

c)

crewmen working on the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries;

and

those working as laundrymen and tailors on navy ships.

There have been a number of applications for British citizenship under section 6(1) of the BNA by those serving in category (a). We are considering these in con- sultation with the Hong Kong Government and have recently written to Roger Facer on the subject.

4.

As you know, we have also received one or two applications from persons in category (c). We discussed these a few weeks ago, and agreed that on the fact of it they do not appear to be Crown Servants. If asked about these people during the debate, we are proposing to explain that they do not qualify for British citizenship.

5.

If asked about the future of these 3 categories I would be grateful for MOD confirmation that we can take the following line.

a) the future of Hong Kong residents serving in HM Forces in Hong Kong or in Hong Kong Naval Squadron will be considered in the context of the future of the garrison. This is the subject of a study by HM in conjunction with the Hong Kong Government;

b)

these crewman are being phased out as the result of the 1975 agreement with the trade unions;

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16 DEC 1985

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Action Taken