TNAG-1558-FCO40-2122-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 185

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divisive.

Now no strictly FCO

However need to be clear about

this:

reason for opposing this.

consequences of accepting

(a) Cannot rule out possibility of Chinese BDTCs also pressing for British citizenship if we give in

in to

Indians.

(b) Could be open-ended do not know exactly how many

people could be stateless

or had lost

what if Chinese were

to declare that certain individuals, whatever

their ethnic origins, were not Chinese citizens, that citizenship? Large number of

Eurasians for instance. Possibility that any such

ex-BDTC would automatically become a British

citizen with right of abode in the UK. Would have

immigration implications.

We would not in any case be giving the Indians what they

say they want: form of British nationality with right of

abode in Hong Kong.

Ex-Servicemen

8.

Again no strong FCO reason to oppose granting British citizenship to these people

people but understand that most of them would not be eligible under Section 4 (5) of the BNA or

any other section. Grateful for your views whether any

accommodation possible.

9.

I f we do agree must bear in mind

implications for

other applications from Hong Kong under Sections 4(5) and

6(1) of the BNA.

CONFIDENTIAL