CONFIDENTIAL
express
same
Various groups have presented their views on what an eventual
agreement should contain. Two groups have said that the Basic Law
should reflect the agreement. A student group somewhat perversely has proposed that the agreement should not contain too much detail in order "to avoid posing obstacles to self-rule".
Another group suggests that the people of Hong Kong should have ample time to
their views
The on an agreement before it is signed.
to the Basic Law should be a group has suggested that any amendment to matter for the people of Hong Kong.
association of school
teachers has called for international guarantees of the essential freedoms enjoyed in Hong Kong. In general the suggestions divide. into points which we are already seeking to include in an agreement and others (such as international guarantees) which are clearly
non-negotiable.
>
An
X
5. One District Board has proposed that the Hong Kong Government should hire experts to carry out a survey of reactions
agreement
to the
We once it is published.
can expect that a number of
groups might engage in this sort of activity once the agreement has been published: the test of acceptability cannot be conducted
entirely on our Own terms.
6.
There
no
to
Overall the debate in Hong Kong about the future of the
is territory is continuing fairly calmly.
reason for us
other at the moment. The next impetus prompt it in
of proposed arrangements
one
announcement
direction or
to debate could well be our
for the test of acceptability.
what is proposed there would be
Parliament and Hong Kong soon.
If Ministers agree on 27 June to
advantage in making a
statement o
26 June 1984
ہند
R D Clift
Hong Kong Department
CONFIDENTIAL
FORMULATMAN