TNAG-2932-FCO40-4207-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 56

SPEAKING NOTE FOR MR GOODLAD'S USE WITH MR WARDLE

You will have heard that the proposed phased programme for registration of British Nationals (Overseas) (BN (0)S) is

becoming controversial.

After initially approving the idea of cut-off dates, LegCo Nationality Committee have now got cold feet. They claim that

the proposed Order in Council (a) removes the "rights" of Hong

Kong people to register as BN (0)S at any time up to 30 June

1997. (b) That this is an administrative problem that could

be solved by

(i) issuing a BN (0) passport which only became effective

on 1 July 1997; or

(ii) delaying the actual issue of BN (0) passports until

closer to 1 July 1997.

I gather the real problem is Hong Kongers' wish to retain British Dependent Territories Citizen passports for as long

as possible (believing BN (0) S to be inferior). As such I am

told they would accept legally enforceable cut-off dates for applications if they could receive post-dated BN (0) passports

(i.e. which came into effect on 1 July 1997).

You

Don't want this to become an issue in Parliament (David

Steel has already publicly supported the LegCo position).

may be aware that LegCo member Elsie Tu has written a circular

letter to MPs on this.

note.wardle.MORRIS

JEB