JIWACM
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF LORD GLENARTHUR TO HONG KONG: 7-11 JANUARY 1989
BRIEF NO 4: BASIC LAW
Objectives
1. To assess Hong Kong reactions to recent amendments to the draft
Basic Law.
2. To reassure Hong Kong people that HMG continue to attach the highest priority to achieving a Basic Law which enables Hong Kong people to have confidence in the future.
Points to Make
[see Brief No 5 for points on human rights, and No 6 for points on
the political system]
[With Governor, officials and Excol
Assessment of reactions in Hong Kong to reported amendments?
Drafting Committee seem to have been very responsive to concerns expressed in Hong Kong. Many improvements made.
Still some points which could be improved. Will continue to pursue these with Chinese authorities through all appropriate
channels.
We shall study second draft very carefully when it is published, consider how best to take up outstanding points with Chinese.
[For general use]
Reports of amendments made to first draft of Basic Law are encouraging. Many changes have been made which meet concerns of Hong Kong people. This is very welcome. Drafting Committee deserve
credit for this.
CONFIDENTIAL