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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
BLDC resumed their discussions and considered how the
first draft should be revised. Following a further
plenary meeting held in Canton from 9 to 15 January 1989,
a second draft was agreed. After consideration by the
Standing Committee of the NPC, this was published in late
February 1989 for further public consultation. The
results of this second round of consultation will then be
considered by the BLDC. The final version of the Basic
Law will be enacted and promulgated by the NPC in 1990.
42.
In Confidence
Although the drafting of the Basic Law is a matter
for the Chinese Government, the British Government have
the right to satisfy themselves that its provisions fully
accord with the terms of the Joint Declaration. The
British Government have been following the process very
closely, and have had a fruitful dialogue with the
Chinese authorities throughout the drafting process.
particular, they have sought to ensure that the Chinese
authorities are fully aware of the concerns of Hong Kong
people about the draft.
In
43. Much of the first draft of the Basic Law was in
satisfactory form. Some parts of it quoted the Joint
Declaration verbatim. But it contained a number of
deficiencies which were identified during the
consultation period. Although it is too soon to assess
public reaction in Hong Kong, it is clear that the second
draft contains substantial improvements reflecting
concerns expressed during the first consultation period
(Annex C to this Memorandum contains a table,