TNAG-1482-FCO40-2036-Economic-and-commercial-value-of-Hong-Kong-to-the-UK-1986 — Page 18

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CONFIDENTIAL

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Sir. Michael

had apparently

in mind а small number of

extremely wealthy individuals in Hong Kong.

7.

7.

The Home Secretary was strongly opposed to this

proposal on the grounds that to have met the request would have necessitated his using his discretionary powers in a way contrary to the principle underlying the BNA 1981 that British citizenship should reflect a close link with the UK. Following consultation with the Secretary of State (and our consultation with the Governor of Hong Kong) the Home Secretary set out their agreed views in a letter of 27 June to the Prime Minister (copy attached). The Prime Minister

accepted this advice.

15 October 1986

I agne.

Алитик

слыши

CO Hum

Hong Kong Department

20/x/86

CONFIDENTIAL