CHAPTER 4 COMMENTS ON SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE WHITE PAPER
Introduction
4.1 This Chapter is divided into 4 parts:
Part 1 Elaboration of Chinese policies for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 14 Sections
Part 2 Joint Liaison Group
Part 3 Land Leases
Part 4 Exchange of Memoranda
Although no aspect of the draft agreement has escaped comment, sections on Constitutional Arrangements including the Basic Law, and on Defence, the Right of Abode, Travel Documents and Immigration and the associated Exchange of Memoranda have attracted the most attention.
4.2 The Office has attempted to summarize all the points made in view of their potential "value to the British Parliament and in the continuing discussions between Britain and China particularly in the Joint Liaison Group."(")
PART 1
Section I Constitutional Arrangements and Government Structure
4.3 The establishment of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997 with a high degree of autonomy for 50 years was generally well received. Views expressed have concentrated on:
the concept of "one country, two systems
the appointment of the Chief Executive.
the SAR legislature.
the Basic Law.
4.4 As the concept of "one country, two systems" is new and as yet untried, some sceptism has been expressed as to whether capitalism and socialism can co-exist without conflict; and whether the views of the Central People's Government (CPG) would prevail over those of the SAR; and if so, whether the socio-economic system to be adopted by the SAR would remain intact.
4.5 As regards the appointment of the Chief Executive in the Hong Kong SAR, it was widely felt that the draft agreement was not sufficiently clear and detailed to provide the reassurance which people sought. The view was strongly expressed that the Chief Executive should be selected by election rather than by consultation, and should be appointed by the Hong Kong legislature rather than by the CPG.
(11) Statement by the Secretary of State in the House of Commons on 25.10.84.
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