TNAG-1850-FCO40-2625-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 163

CHINESE ATTITUDES?

J

Chinese Government have stated that any change to British nationality policy is a matter for HMG.

But they have not indicated whether they would welcome or oppose

any such change.

Believe it would be necessary to discuss any significant change with them, particularly if such a change could be (wrongly) interpreted as siphoning people away from Hong Kong.

HOW DOES BRITISH NATIONALITY/IMMIGRATION POLICY COMPARE WITH OTHER

EC COUNTRIES WITH DEPENDENCIES?

Immigration policy (ie granting access to non-EC nationals) is

broadly the same for all EC countries.

Nationality policy reflects different approaches. All other

European countries (including those with overseas territories,

France, Portugal, Netherlands) have unitary nationality policy, ie nationals of overseas territories have right of abode in metropolitan country.

IS IT NOT POSSIBLE TO IDENTIFY A MIDDLE WAY SHORT OF PASSPORTS FOR

ALL?

Certain groups of people can qualify to come here under existing rules. Will keep position under review and look forward with great interest to Committee's report.

But very difficult to define particular groups who might benefit. Should any change apply to Hong Kong only? What about those who would not benefit from any change? Selective changes could be divisive and discriminatory.

Will consider Committee's recommendations carefully.

ALAAAT