TNAG-1405-FCO40-1880-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 145

(b)

broad coloured band diagonally across the front

and back covers, or

to continue to issue the old stiff blue cover

passport to all those British nationals without EC

rights,

would both be open to serious objection. Either might

be regarded as a second class passport and give rise to

difficulties for the holder when he or she was dealing

with officials in third countries. HMG has the clear

duty to protect the interests of these people just as

much as those who have EC rights. The decision would

cut across the strongly felt sentiment that British

nationals without EC rights are just as British as

anyone else even though they do not have rights within

the Community (or even the automatic right to come to

Britain and reside here). We would expect this

sentiment to be strongly represented by, eg, Governors

of Dependent Territories. There would no doubt be

considerable press interest both in the territories

concerned and in Britain. The position of Hong Kong is

particularly sensitive. The substantial group of

British Nationals Overseas which will come into being

after 1997, (Category E), will be transitory and-