TNAG-2628-FCO40-3819-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1992 — Page 10

CONFIDENTIAL

date would be as early as September 1993, almost four years before the change in the territory's status, and that the age group affected

affected would have only a few months to act after

Parliamentary approval of the Order.

9. Thirdly, we are concerned about the complicated nature of

the scheme. Having a whole series of cut off dates for BN (0),

a cut off date for BDTC and escape clauses for those who have good reason for missing the dates will complicate the Order and give rise to difficulties in administration (eg in assessing reasons for having missed dates) and scope for confusion in the

minds of the public.

10. We would ideally like to see a simpler scheme with resources

adjusted so that later and fewer cut off dates were possible but

Hong Kong may see the success of their similar scheme for

identity cards as rebuttal of this argument.

NEXT STEPS

11. Hong Kong would like to put the draft scheme before the July

14 meeting of the Hong Kong Executive Council. We have made it

clear that, since the Home Secretary would be responsible for the

Order/s in Council, the scheme should not be put to EXCO until

they know that Home Office Ministers are content. If Ministers

are content for them to do so (the FCO are consulting their

Ministers separately) and if the Executive Council approve the

scheme Hong Kong propose to issue a press statement explaining

the scheme and emphasising the benefits of applying early and the

international acceptability of BN (0) passports. A major publicity campaign would follow forewarning the public of the programme and advising those eligible to apply in good time.

CONFIDENTIAL