TNAG-1567-FCO40-2132-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 68

the Government to admit the Falkland Islanders to this

country were an equally appropriate way of responding

to the special circumstances of their particular

situation.

5.

Having made the Government's views plain he went

on to sav that he would not ask the House to resist

the Bill and offered Government assistance if it was giver

a second reading.

COMPARISON WITH HONG KONG AND OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORIE

6.

During the course of the second reading debate

reference was also made to other dependent territories.

Lor Macklehose said "I do not think it would be in the

interest of Hong Kong or of any other dependent

territory to appear to stand in the wav of a benefit to

the Falkland Islands in which the emotions and policies

of the United Kingdom are so deeply involved at this

time. Moreover I do not think that Hong Kong people

themselves would wish to carry their resentment (to the

1981 Act) to the extent of opposing doing something

for the Falkland Islanders". Lord Gridley said "So far

as I am concerned, they (ie the Falkland Islanders) have

greater links with Britain than any other colony or

former colony which we once possessed and which has now

become an independent nation. I therefore feel that

what we desire and what it is desired to achieve in this

Bill is more than justified". In his closing speech

Lord Elton said "Together with the noble Lord (ie Lord

Macklehose) I believe that the people of Hong Kong will

realise that their situation is not similar to that

of the Falkland Islanders, and will not wish to deny the

latter the benefits proposed under this Bill. I

Welcome the Noble Lord's view that the Bill should be

considered on its merits, without regard to Hong Kong

or the other dependent territories, since the situation

of the Falkland Islands is, indeed, unique".