C. RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
CONFIDENTIAL
BILL OF RIGHTS?
4. Agreement provides explicitly for maintenance of rights and freedoms previously in force in Hong Kong and protected by law. Stipulates also that provisions of relevant international covenants will remain in force.
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS?
5. Explicitly guaranteed in Section XIII of Annex 1, together with other rights.
D.
JOINT LIAISON GROUP
UNOFFICIAL HONG KONG REPRESENTATION IN BRITISH DELEGATION TO JOINT
LIAISON GROUP?
6.
This will be an inter-governmental body, staffed on both sides by officials. But interests of Hong Kong people will be fully represented through participation of Hong Kong Government officials.
Full consultation with Executive Council will continue.
E. ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
WHY NOT A REFERENDUM?
7.
Very real drawbacks to a referendum. In circumstances of Hong Kong, important to avoid risk of provoking factional divisions which
could leave results of a referendum open to doubt. Consultation through the well-developed channels familiar to Hong Kong people was the best way to obtain an assessment of opinions on this complex
matter. Result amply justifies means: referendum could not have
produced so clear a picture.
A FARCE, GIVEN THAT THE AGREEMENT CANNOT BE CHANGED?
8.
No.
Of value that Assessment Office report should set out comprehensive list of the concerns of the Hong Kong people. This will assist discussion between the British and Chinese Governments
in Joint Liaison Group on implementation of agreement.
CONFIDENTIAL