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Paper on constitutional development), and we do not wish to restrict the activities of the Group to the point where it becomes difficult for us to use it to further our aims. These considerations suggest
that the initial pattern should be something like the minimum number of plenary sessions (three a year) but with a degree of flexibility and the possibility of holding extra meetings. Probably we should try to fix only one meeting at a time.
10.
We may well wish to suggest the formation of a certain number of expert subgroups at an early stage: possible examples are
treaties
11. The existence of the Group will not remove the need for
consultation through normal channels in between meetings so long as
the Group remains peripatetic. After 1988 such discussion will
presumably be conducted in informal meetings between resident members of the Group. General experience is that contacts are
likely to be smoother if wherever possible we deal with the
Hong Kong and Macao Office (HKMO) in Peking rather than the MFA. The HKMO is likely to be in charge of the Chinese side of the Group. This suggests that except where high level intervention might be necessary contact should be between a member of the Embassy, who
should be associated with the JLG, and the HKMO.
Subjects for early work.
(to be filled in)
12. In the light of all the above, our aim might be tht the first
meeting of the Group should cover the following ground:
(i)
( Ꭵ Ꭵ )
ii)
Methods of work. We would adopt a flexible
approach on frequency of meetings and
establishment of sub-groups, but seeking a
gradual start to the work of the Group.
We might solicit a progress report by the Chinese
on the drafting of the Basic Law. This would
have to be carefully prepared in informal contact
beforehand. We might offer a briefing on
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