TNAG-1566-FCO40-2131-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 14

HONG KONG NATIONALITY ORDER IN COUNCIL

NOTES FOR WINDING-UP

нии зиоте 34011

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

19 MAY 1986

DESK OFFICER INDEX

REGISTRY

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Introduction and Conclusion

1. My Lords we have had another full, carefully argued and well-informed debate

on the nationality arrangements for Hong Kong. The debate has, not surprisingly,

focussed particularly on the Government's proposals for those British Dependent

Territories citizens in Hong Kong who are not ethnically Chinese.

2.

My Lords, I have listened very closely to all that your Lordships have said

today on this matter. I respect the position from which many have spoken and

the deeply held views of those who have spoken. After so many months of

consideration, it would be surprising if any new arguments had been put. All

these points have been very carefully and sympathetically weighed. Despite the

powerful advocacy which your Lordships have heard today, I am bound to say that

the Government remain convinced that their proposals are right in all the

circumstances.

3. We do, of course, fully accept and acknowledge our responsibility towards

all British Dependent Territories citizens in Hong Kong. The aim of the Order

is to make provisions which are fair and consistent as between them all, and which

also reflect our wider responsibilities to British nationals throughout the world.

We believe the Order achieves this objective. It provides an opportunity for

all Hong Kong British Dependent Territories citizens to acquire a new form of

British nationality, and to retain it for life. It ensures that no-one need fear

statelessness. The agreement guarantees the legal right of all Hong Kong British

Dependent Territories citizens to continue to live there. And we have given an

assurance that we would expect future Governments to deal sympathetically with

those who come under pressure to leave. We believe that this is the right and sensible way to proceed. [We do not accept some of the more alarmist predictions

which have been made today. Indeed, we believe what we have proposed not only

fully meets our commitments and responsibilities, but that it is also the most

responsible and fairest response in the present circumstances. We want to go

into the next 11 years in a calm, fair and confident spirit, and we cannot

recommend to your Lordships the sort of special and unprecedented measures for

a part of the community in Hong Kong which have been advocated today.

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