TNAG-1557-FCO40-2121-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 65

CODE 18-77

AWO Ltd. 7/84

Well,

Mr Powell,

HKD

fa

Reference.....

TNN 340/393/1....

64)

HONG KONG:

NATIONALITY ORDER IN COUNCIL:

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE

1. We have seen copies of your telegrams 32, 33 and 34 to Hong Kong giving the draft text of the opening speech for the House of Commons debate.

2.

Our main comments cover the same point as that made in paragraph 3 of Mr Partridge's minute to Mr Hill about the draft defensive points for the closing speech, ie the wrong impression that a new type of passport rather than a new national status will be introduced.

3.

We suggest that in paragraph 12 (telno 32) the fourth, fifth and sixth sentences might be amended to read:-

4.

"But the terms of the memorandum, reflecting the particular needs of Hong Kong, link its acquisition to the holding of a British passport showing the holder to have BN (0) status (which I will from now on refer to as a BN(O) passport). The passport, together with the central register which will be maintained, will be evidence of the new status. So Article 4 provides a clear entitlement to hold such a passport.'

11

Similarly in para 28 (telno 33) the penultimate sentence might be amended to read:-

"The Government will embark on a round of explanations once the Order in Council is passed and before passports showing the new status are introduced in 1987 to reduce the possibility of difficulty for travellers using them."

Also the first sentence of para 13 (telno 32) incorrectly describes BN(0) status as 'citizenship' which it is not. We suggest the sentence be amended to read:-

5.

"The formalities going with the registration of BN(0) status will be kept to a minimum."

нии осюк

RECEIVE

INDE

EGISTRY

14 JAN 1986

8 January 1986

REGISTRY Action Taken

Beck

Y J Veale (Miss) Nationality & Treaty Dept. (CL501 213 5159)