PERSONAL
IN CONFIDENCE
who wanted to register as a BN (0) could do so. They have also
had to counter suspicions that the BN (0) passport is inferior
to the BDTC passport and that there might be further changes in
the British Nationality Law which would differentiate BNOS from
BDTCS to the former's disadvantage.
6. HKG believe that they have been able to demonstrate to LegCo that the Phased Registration Programme represents an administrative solution to an administrative problem and that there is in no sense a "hidden agenda" or any attempt to keep LegCo in the dark. (LegCo members were for instance unhappy
that the HKG could not give them a copy of the draft Order
before it is laid before Parliament, but HKG have now told them
what the draft contains). HKG have already embarked on a
programme to publicise the scheme and to encourage those eligible to come forward to register. This will be stepped up
once Parliament approves the order in Council.
7. It seems probable that the LegCo delegation coming
to London on 15/16 June to lobby for full British
citizenship for ethnic minorities may also seek to lobby on
this programme.
8. The Chinese reaction has been helpful. We outlined
the envisaged arrangements through the JLG in February. JLG
reported the Chinese response in April: "HKG should take the necessary steps to avoid a heavy concentration of applicants at any particular time. The Chinese side would not oppose HKG's efforts to increase public awareness of the need to exchange
passports through introduction of a Phased Programme. But in implementing their plans, HKG should leave sufficient time
before 1 July 1997 to resolve any problems resulting from failure to exchange passports".
status.BRIEFS.NH/JRB
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