TNAG-1558-FCO40-2122-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 183

CONFIDENTIAL

SPEAKING NOTE FOR MR RENTON'S MEETING WITH MR WADDINGTON, 9

JANUARY 1986

Hong Kong Nationality Order in Council

1.

Will be offering support during debate.

2.

Great build up of feeling in Hong Kong reflected in

lobbying of MPs. Boils down to 3 demands:

(a) an

endorsement should be entered in BN (O) passport

affirming holder's right to visit UK;

(b) that non-Chinese BDTCs should be granted full

British citizenship; and

(c) that ex-servicemen should also be granted British

citizenship.

The se

proposals have

Legislative Councils.

unanimou s

support of Executive and

They have also been supported by the

Hong Kong Government, which has bowed to the overwhelming

pressure from Unofficials.

Very strong speech in support

by senior Unofficial, Ms Lydia Dunn, in LegCo meeting

yesterday.

3.

Appropriateness of these demands may well be open to

debate: but likely to command sympathy in Parliament, and

need to face up to

to a political situation. Total rejection of demands would certainlu bring us problems in Hong Kong. Might also conceivably put Order in Council in difficulties

in Parliament (particularly in House of Lords). Need to

see if can move to meet any of them.

CONFIDENTIAL