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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
importance to Hong Kong's future for at least 50 years
after 1997. I continue to believe that there is much in
the draft Basic Law which is already entirely
satisfactory from Hong Kong's point of view. But if the
Basic Law is to command confidence in Hong Kong it will
be essential to ensure that all the concerns of the Hong
Kong people are properly catered for. When the
consultation and drafting process resumes as it will
inevitably have to do we shall be pressing for local
concerns and sensitivities to be taken fully into
account. We shall certainly want the drafters to look
again, for example, at Article 18 of the draft Basic Law
which allows the imposition of nationals laws in Hong
Kong at times of crisis.
23.
In the light of recent events, Hong Kong people are
understandably concerned about the protection of their
fundamental rights and freedoms after 1997. The Joint
Declaration and the Basic Law already provide important
assurances about this. But we and the Hong Kong
Government have been considering what more could be done.
On 5 July, the Hong Kong Government announced that they
will be introducing a Bill of Rights for Hong Kong as
soon as possible. The Bill of Rights will enshrine the
fundamental rights and freedoms currently engaged in Hong
Kong and will give clear effect to the International
Covenants which already apply in the territory. It
will form part of the existing law and will continue
after the transfer of sovereignty.
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