TNAG-1570-FCO40-2136-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 63

CONFIDENTIAL

acceptance is crucial to maintaining confidence and

stability in Hong Kong. A key point we have emphasised

in explaining BN (O) status to Hong Kong people and to

third countries is that BN (0)s will be fully eligible for

British Consular services and protection (this facility

is actually enshrined in the UK Memorandum associated

with the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question

of Hong Kong). Any perception that we were seeking to

avoid honouring this commitment in full would very

seriously damage not only our campaign to gain acceptance

for BN (0) status and passport, but also the whole fragile

edifice of confidence in the future in Hong Kong. The

political arguments in favour of retaining a commitment

to last resort repatriation to Hong Kong beyond 1997 for

ایک نمایاں

BN (0)s (seem

(seem therefore to be conclusive] are compelling,

take accompl

WC

ho. ?

eavor also

cdicns Hong Kong rctidinti (mainly of

BN (0) status i who will not acquire wh. with become British Oradeal Citizens

1 July 1997

;

вић.

and Hi; the children of BN (0)s who kuin acquire Boc status at birth.

bite must infically and

in farness

dis

Com camole

вете

facilion of last resort repatiatia to them as

british parport holders, if this facilit

live to BN (0)S:

wek

A

CONFIDENTIAL

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