22-NOV-1989
17:06
GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH HKG
METAL These bal ka LONGUMOE DIVISTUN
852 5 840 1976 P.08
565 P09
с
- 8 -
A: There is existing provision for this in the laws of Hong Kong.
In future it will be necessary for this provision to remain in
force.
Will it have to be laid down in the Basic Law?
A: We are now considering this. The two issues I raised today by no
means suggest that we have already had a decision. They have only
been raised for consideration and discussion.
Q: How do you define subversive activities?
A: It matters if there is interference in mainland affairs in a way not
permitted by our laws. For example, the "Chinese Alliance for
Democracy' 's establishment of its base in Hong Kong for infiltration
into the mainland is a form of subversion.
If the "Hong Kong Alliance
for the Promotion and Support of Democracy in China" still clings to that objective, it is also taking Hong Kong as a base for subversive
activities.
Q: What did you refer to when you mentioned yesterday that "China can
make no further concessions on the question of Hong Kong"?
A: I mainly refer to the issues concerning the relationship between the
central government and the HKBAR, such as requests for the power of interpretation, the power to declare a state of emergency and further reduction of central authority. After the publication of the Draft Basic Law (for solicitation of opinions), we set out to gather opinions and had made sincere and considerable amendments to the relevant articles to enable the devolution of all such authorities that could be devolved upon Hong Kong. At that time, everyone was satisfied, but now they say it would not work. We feel that it is somewhat like "reaching out for a yard after taking an inch". To
/recede