1
E. BASIC LAW
1.
UK ROLE IN BASIC LAW DRAFTING PROCESS
Although drafting of Basic Law is a matter for Chinese
Government, we have right to satisfy ourselves that provisions of Basic Law fully accord with terms of Joint Declaration.
2.
PROGRESS IN PRESSING FOR CHANGES IN BASIC LAW?
Continuing to use all appropriate channels open to us to influence drafting process in ways helpful to Hong Kong.
Former Foreign Secretary raised Basic Law with Chinese Foreign
Minister on 30 July and again on 28 September.
But
Much in Basic Law which is already entirely satisfactory. if it is to command confidence in Hong Kong, must ensure that concerns of Hong Kong people are fully taken into account in final
version.
3. WHAT SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF BASIC LAW HAVE YOU RAISED?
Cannot be expected to comment publicly on details of confidential
exchanges with another government.
WILL HMG TAKE ACTION IN RESPONSE TO SUSPENSION OF MARTIN LEE AND
SZETO WAH FROM BLDC?
4.
Members of Basic Law Drafting Committee are appointed by Standing
Committee of National People's Congress. Suspension of Mr Lee and
Mr Szeto (Seeto) is therefore a matter for Chinese authorities and
the two members concerned.
We have made clear to Chinese authorities on a number of
occasions our hope that they will take account of full range of
opinion in Hong Kong in drafting Basic Law.
There remain 18 Hong Kong members out of a total of 51 on the
BLDC.
MAXAEM