TNAG-2976-FCO40-1245-Effect-of-the-UK-nationality-laws-on-Dependent-Territories-B-1981 — Page 115

Mr McQuade

Mr Clift

16.

27

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference... HKC 340/1

HKG....

•

15 JUL 1981

Pl. copy 2. Mr. Fayes. NID

m

748

to

16

17

巴

NATIONALITY BILL: THE GIBRALTAR AMENDMENT

1. Mr Clift asked me to set out the likely reactions of other Dependent Territories if the Gibraltar amendment (copy attached) is passed.

2.

(i)

The Territories could be grouped as follows:

Very adverse reaction

Anguilla

―

(ii)

Falkland Islands

St Helena

Some reaction

Belize

Bermuda

Anguilla has a large colony in the UK, and would press very hard for similar treatment to Gibraltar.

The FIG is pressing very hard to obtain right of abode for the 300-400 islanders out of the total population of approx 1400 who do not have it at present.

The St Helena Government is like- wise pressing for right of abode for the whole population.

The question is slightly academic. Any reaction would come principally from those opposed to independence.

A fair number of Bermudians have close connections with the UK.

Uncertain reaction

(iii)

BVI

Any reaction would be mainly for public consumption. BVIG are not really interested in links with Britain on the nationality side; their main ambition is to go to the USA.

(iv)

TCI

Caymans

Montserrat

Total disinterest

Pitcairn

Probably not interested.

The Islanders have some form of association with New Zealand.

By wett Rook.

B Brett Rooks (Miss)

Hong Kong and General Department

15 July 1981

CODE 18-77