TNAG-1568-FCO40-2134-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 81

A

B

C

CONFIDENTIAL

and

considerable

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

the draft Nationality Order, there was

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.

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 of 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.

occasion

formal a

On that

and Foreign

Note was circulated to

a copy is at flag A. It

Commonwealth Missions in London:

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

status a similar 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 them (and also

with the Embassy in Peking) a series of self-explanatory

texts comprising:

(a) a Note to be sent to Foreign and Commonwealth

Missions in London, including those representatives resident elsewhere;

(b) a letter from the head of NTD to

Missions overseas instructing them

parallel action with the government(s)

they are accredited;

accredited

Heads of

to take

to which

CONFIDENTIAL