TNAG-1567-FCO40-2132-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 75

J M LYON

IND

B4 Division

E.R. Lunar House (Extension 2832)

13 May 1986

1. Mr Hudson

2.

Mr Woodland

NTY/86 1/387/9

CC

Mr Fittall

Mr Hyde

Mr Pakenham-Walsh

Mr Acton

Mr Bickham Mr Hum (FCO)

HONG KONG NATIONALITY ORDER: ARRANGED PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

1. Lord Glenarthur has asked for advice on a suggestion by Lord Maclehose that

it would be helpful in advance of the debate on the Hong Kong Nationality Order

on 16 May to have an arranged Parliamentary Question in the House of Lords

clarifying the statelessness provisions. I understand that Lord Maclehose

suggested that it would help the Government's position if the Lords had this

in advance of the debate and that it would be helpful to give the numbers

involved; and the definition of statelessness under international law.

2. Ministers will wish to balance the desirability of discouraging Lord Maclehose

from supporting the Opposition's motion with the danger of exposing too much flank

in advance of the debate. On balance, there may be advantage in reiterating the

guarantee about the avoidance of statelessness; describing again how it will be

achieved; and asserting that our proposals meet our international obligations.

Numbers are probably best kept for the debate; as are definitions of statelessness

which are not straightforward and on which we are preparing a separate briefing

note.

3. If Ministers agree, Lord Glenarthur will no doubt wish to consider whether to

offer the Question to Lord Maclehose, or whether that would risk difficult

negotiations on the text. Once the Question is tabled, the Answer ought to be made

on 15 May.

7. M. by

J M LYON

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