TNAG-2934-FCO40-4209-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1993 — Page 59

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RESTRICTED

Ms Lau

that country if they did not wish to remain in Hong Kong. asked what the position of joint British and Chinese nationals would be in similar circumstances to which the Home Secretary indicated that these people would have nowhere else to go and would therefore fall under the terms of the Government's

undertaking.

Cut-off dates for obtaining BNO status

5. The Home Secretary said that he understood the concerns that had been expressed about this issue and consideration he could announce that he agreed in principle that after careful holders of BDTC passports could retain them until 30 June 1997. However, it was essential to lay the Order in Council to ensure the orderly transition from BDTC to BN (0) status straightaway, at the same time as the second Order to ensure that it is made in time for the second tranche of the Nationality Scheme. would not affect the commitment he had given, but he wished to This discuss exactly how this was to be achieved with colleagues in Hong Kong. The obvious options were to allow BN (0)s to hold BDTC and BN (O) passports concurrently or post dating the entry into force of the BN (O) passport.

Wives and widows of ex-servicemen

6. The Home Secretary reminded the deputation that the wives and widows may come to the United Kingdom at any time settlement.

for As this was the real point of citizenship it was difficult to see what they hoped to achieve by requesting citizenship. Ms Lau said that they were only on 25 in number and to allow them citizenship would be a great comfort. The Home Secretary pointed out that this would require legislation while Mr Rawsthorne said that there was citizenship to a person who was not resident

no provision to grant in the United in Kingdom. Mr Arculli asked whether the wives and widows could be permitted to come to the United Kingdom for obtain citizenship and

short period, and then return to Hong Kong. Mr Wardle pointed out that there were certain resident requirements which had to be met and while the Home Secretary had a discretion to waive certain of these requirements, it was not envisaged that he could waive them as suggested by Mr Arculli.

Private Office 10 June 1993

D Barnes

DAVID BARNES

Assistant Private Secretary

TOTAL P.01