CONFIDENTIAL
SPEECH BY THE RT HON SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, QC, MP TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON 5 DECEMBER
HONG KONG AGREEMENT
NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
A.
AGREEMENT GENERALLY
INTERNATIONAL RESETTLEMENT OF THOSE UNWILLING TO STAY IN HONG KONG
("OPERATION HAVEN")
1. Our firm intention, and that of Chinese Government, is to make the agreement work and create conditions in which Hong Kong people will be able to continue living and working in a flourishing community. Should not pull down with one hand while building with
the other.
HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION OBJECTIONS TO AGREEMENT?
2. Meeting of Association in November attended by 50 of its 250
members. Those present could not reach a consensus on a motion supporting ratification of the draft agreement. A key concern appeared to be a perceived conflict (which I do not share) between
Articles 1 and 31 of Chinese Constitution. Overwhelming majority of organisations in Hong Kong endorsed agreement.
B.
BASIC LAW
CONFLICT BETWEEN BASIC LAW/CHINESE CONSTITUTION?
3. Do not see how Basic Law can be in conflict with the Chinese
Constitution. The Chinese will be drafting the Basic Law and National People's Congress will pass it. Agreement makes absolutely clear that socialist system and policies practised on mainland will not be practised in Hong Kong after 1997. their constitution, but pretty clear that Article 31 designed to provide exceptions to general norm in limited areas.
For Chinese to interpret
CONFIDENTIAL