TNAG-1568-FCO40-2134-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 111

DSR 11C

Long term solutions

9.

All of the various "solutions" which have been

proposed would appear to involve at least partial

transfer of sovereignty irrespective of the Islanders'

wishes. The Islanders have repeatedly made clear,

through their elected representatives that they wish to

rema in in the Islands as British citizens on British

territory.

10. On several occasions since 1982 the Argentine

Government has offered assurances that they would respect

the Islanders' way of life. However, similar guarantees

were on offer shortly before the 1982 invasion and the

British Government believe it is not surprising that the

Islanders have little confidence in them.

In any case,

the guarantees are only relevant if it

are only relevant if it is assumed that

the Islands are to be transferred to Argentina.

11. The ultimate authority in all matters affecting

British Dependent Territories is Parliament. But the

British Government think it is difficult to believe that

Parliament would take a decision on sovereignty against

the Islanders' wishes.

Comparisons of the Falklands with Hong Kong and Gibraltar

12. The British Government believe that each of these

three cases is politically, legally, geographically and

historically quite different and that it is therefore not

helpful to draw parallels. But in each case the

Government have adopted a realistic and constructive

/approach,