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not preclude the collection thereafter of the views of the Hong Kong people on the "Mini-Constitution";
(Express, 22 November, quoting "reliable sources amongst high ranking officials in Peking");
(iii) different opinions could be heard during the discussion of the "Mini-Constitution" so long as they recognised the premise that China regained sovereignty over Hong Kong;
(New Evening Post editorial, 24 November).
(iv) the call for public comment was an expression of Chinese desire to grant "democratic rights" to the people of Hong Kong;
(New Evening Post, 3 December).
(v) this sign of "widespread democratic activity" (Wen Wei Po, 3 December) entailing discussion of the maintenance of personal freedoms under the existing legal structure would strengthen public confidence in Hong Kong;
(vi)
the concept of the "Mini-Constitution" showed China's far sightedness and the long term nature of its policies;
(Tar Kung Pao, 3 December).
(vii) when the "Mini-Constitution" was ready for publication it would be passed to Hong Kong residents for comments and modification before being tabled at the
Congress
National (People's Conference.
Using the "Mini-Constitution" as a foundation Hong Kong could then proceed to form a "municipal government";
(South China Morning Post, 2 December, quoting Ji's remarks to a delegation from the Chinese Reform Association of Hong Kong).
(viii) the "Mini-Constitution" could be amended in the light of the views of the people of Hong Kong;
(Tat Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po, 3 December quoting Xu Jiatun to journalists at Shanghai Arts and Crafts Exhibition).
(ix) the "relevant departments" of the State Council have already begun working on the draft of the "Mini-Constitution"; preparatory work had begun before the start of the Sino-British talks on Hong Kong and the draft "would" or "could" (not clear which) be published next year Jaton
(Xuan to journalists, 3 December).
people
(x) although comments from Hong Kong would be sought (and could be made either orally or in writing direct to Peking or via NCNA Hong Kong), the draft would reflect the
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