TNAG-1559-FCO40-2123-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 83

Luullis

The fevernment t

Mapamban

Featray

ELLY

You specifically mentioned Section 4(5) of the British Nationality Act 1981 and asked that the Home Secretary confer British citizenship on the members of your Association. The Home Secretar does have discretion under Section 4(5) to register a BDTC as a British citizen even if the applicant cannot meet the statutory five years UK residence requirement, provided he has been in Crown Service.It is clear however, that the Home Secretary will exerci his discretion on Section 4(5) applications sparingly and that registration will be the exception rather than the rule. Much as we recognise the sacrifices and gallant service given by your members, I must therefore say that unless any of them have very close family connections with the United Kingdom, there is no possibility of their acquiring British citizenship in this way.

I am sorry that this is not the reply you would have hoped to receive but, as I am sure you will understand, nationality is a matter of law enacted by Parliament and Ministers have no discreti to vary it in the light of individual circumstances.

CLLL

of the criteria

Yours sincerely. Jan Gumm.

av

1 Gunn