Background
CONFIDENTIAL.
1.
This
remains one of the most controversial and sensitive topics
in Hong Kong.
2.
Draft Hong Kong Nationality Order in Council published on 17
October 1985. Debated in House of Commons 16 January and House of
Lords 20 January 1986. Order is to establish a new form of British
national status to be known as British National (Overseas) (BN(O))
which will be available to Hong Kong BDTCs wef 1 July 1987 and which
may be retained for life.
3.
These were:
Lydia Dunn, Senior Unofficial Member of Legislative Council
(UMELCO) in Hong Kong wrote to all MPs on
3
January expressing
UMELCO's support for 3 main proposals
connection with the draft
Order.
in
(a)
(b)
(c)
4.
an endorsement for BN (O)
do not require visas or entry certificates to visit UK;
passports to the effect that holders
ex-World War II servicemen in Hong Kong should be registered
as British Citizens under British Nationality Act; and
ethnic minority BDTC' s in Hong Kong should be registered as
British citizens.
During Parliamentary debates most speakers generally supported
UMELCO's proposals. Home Office Ministers said they would carefully
consider all chat was said before resubmitting the Order to
Parliament for approval. Following the debates a team of Hong Kong
Government officials visited the UK to provide the Home Office with
further background information on the three points. The information
they provided has enabled the Home Office to move forward and they
will shortly be able to submit to Ministers for decisions.
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.