TNAG-2201-FCO40-3156-Hong-Kong-nationality-1990 — Page 59

The Legislative Council

Stelena

South Atlantic

Thank you for the petition of 25 January which you handed to our Desk Officer, Mr Bill Clare, during his recent visit asking HMG to grant full British citizenship to all Saint Helenians.

I understand you argued your case with great conviction, and

that, in doing so, you were undoubtedly expressing the will of your

constituents. And it is very gratifying to learn that, despite the

miles which separate you from the UK, you are so deeply committed to

Britain and to retaining links with the UK.

As you know, citizens of a number of our other Dependent

Territories feel as strongly as you that, in view of developments over Hong Kong, they, too, should be granted full British citizenship. It is right that we should treat each case

even-handedly.

I regret that, under the present circumstances, it is not

possible to grant your request. I understand how disappointed you

will be to learn this. I can assure you, however, that your case is

well understood here and that my officials will keep it under close review.

They will ensure that your request is re-considered in the

light of changing circumstances.

MP 1AAE