TNAG-2628-FCO40-3819-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1992 — Page 72

HKD 340/1

In Max's

С

Sir J Coles

ра

26/3

FROM: R A Burns

DATE: 25 March 1992

cc: PS/Lord Caithness

Mr Ricketts

Miss Brooks,

Legal Counsellor

Mr Harrington, NTCD

24

ARRANGEMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF HONG KONG BRITISH DEPENDENT

TERRITORY CITIZENS (BDTCS) AS BRITISH NATIONALS (OVERSEAS)

(BN (0)S)

1. This complex and technical matter does not require a policy decision now. But you will wish to be aware that an amending order will be required in due course to resolve the lacuna in the existing legislation for British Nationals (overseas). The amendments will necessarily result in the restriction (and in some limited cases the loss) of an

entitlement to register as BDTCs or as BN (O)s which at present extends to 30 June 1997. This could prove unpopular in Hong Kong, and we shall need to take steps to minimise the upset it may cause. We will take the matter forward when Hong Kong respond to the revised telegrams which I have now despatched. But since new legislation will be required, this will be for Ministerial agreement

after 9 April.

SETAAY/1

Andres B

R A Burns

та