TNAG-2629-FCO40-3820-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1992 — Page 25

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CSC (LS) paper no. 20/92

Paper for CSC Legal and Security Policy Group

A phased programme for registering British Dependent Territories Citizens (BDTC)

British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(0)) and for issuing them with BN(0) passports

as

Introduction

The problem, background and proposed solutions are set out in the attached paper. This is intended for submission to the Executive Council, subject to Members' approval. In it, we propose a phased programme with legally effective cut-off dates for securing BN (0) passports.

2.

Some aspects of the paper are still under discussion. These are the financial and staffing considerations and the sections relating to PR. We will resolve these issues before approaching ExCo.

3.

The matter is urgent because of the need to approach Parliament. For the proposals to proceed, the necessary legislation must be in place by mid-1993. Therefore, with Members' (and ExCo's } agreement, we must ask the FCO to proceed without delay.

Advice sought

4.

Members will be asked to advise whether they agree with the recommendations in paragraph 2 of the draft Exco memorandum, The key policy questions are whether

why out togethe

(a)

(c)

the proposed cut-off dates should have legal force;

at a later date, we should seek single cut-off date for naturalization of Hong Kong residents as BDTCS; and

publicity should be relatively low key but adequate to ensure that the public

aware of the proposed programme,

Security Branch

SBCR 4/2091/84 Pt 32

25 May 1992

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