TNAG-2767-FCO40-3984-Hong-Kong-and-the-media-interviews--press-briefings-and-the--1993 — Page 159

CONFIDENTIAL

whether we intend to use the second tranche of the British

nationality scheme to protect LegCo members who may have

incurred China's wrath by supporting the Governor's

proposals. The straight answer is that there is no neto:

under Article 23 of the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Order

1990, the Governor could recommend any LegCo member in that position under the Sensitive Service Class (SSC). But because we have always avoided drawing undue attention to the SSC, the draft reply does not spell this out, but simply suggests

that anyone who is eligible may apply. The reference to

eligibility in this context is an oblique signpost (at best) to the SSC, but the Hong Kong Government will ensure that any

LegCo Members who may need to know in future are made aware.

J C Morris

scsmpsos.min JH BRIEF

CONFIDENTIAL

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