TNAG-1568-FCO40-2134-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 125

CONFIDENTIAL

Background

3.

The Hong Kong (British Nationality) Order 1986 was

made on 5 June and will come into operation on 1 July 1987. Under its terms, British Dependent Territories citizens by

virtue of a connection with Hong Kong will be entitled from

1 July 1987 to acquire the new status of BN (O) and

and the

passport that goes with it and to hold that status for

life. During Parliamentary debates on both the Hong Kong

Bill and the draft Nationality Order, there was

considerable interest in arrangements to ensure that the

new passport would receive widespread international

HMG accordingly undertook to explain the

introduction of the new passport to other countries between

the making of the Nationality Order and the introduction of

BN (0) status.

recognition.

A

4.

In discussion at official level within the FCO and

with the Home Office it has been agreed that the best way

to inform other countries

the new status would be to

follow the example of the exercise to inform other countries of the changes consequent upon the entry into

force of the British Nationality Act 1981.

On that

and

occasion a formal Note was circulated to Foreign

Commonwealth Missions in London: a copy is at flag A. It

has been agreed at official level that in the case of BN (0)

status

similar a

exercise should be

capitals by a fuller briefing.

complemented

in

5.

The Hong Kong Government were consulted on this basis and agreed that it would be the best way to proceed. After further consultation we have agreed with

with them

them (and

also with the Embassy in Peking) a series of self-explanatory texts comprising:

CONFIDENTIAL