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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
We are
on arrangements for the transition through 1997.
on schedule so far; but in order to keep up the momentum
we shall need to sustain steady pressure on the Chinese
at all levels and to continue the process of educating
them about the realities and sensitivities of Hong Kong
a process which of course began with the negotiations of
the Joint Declaration. We shall continue to negotiate
firmly and toughly while seeking to avoid public
confrontation which serve only to undermine confidence in
Hong Kong.
In Confidence
BASIC LAW
7.
The drafting of the Basic Law is the responsibility
of a Basic Law Drafting Committee (BLDC) on which Hong
Kong people have minority representation.
The first
draft was published in April 1988 after 2 years work and
submitted for several months public consultation in Hong
Kong. A second, revised draft will be published shortly
The final version is for further public consultation.
due to be promulgated by the National People's Congress
of the PRC in 1990.
8. The Basic Law falls naturally into two parts: those
provisions which directly correspond to specific
provisions in the Joint Declaration; and those which amplify the Joint Declaration; for example in areas such
as the section on the political system where the Joint
Declaration is couched in very general terms.
By far th
greater part of the Basic Law falls into first category,