Could you give further details on how you would intend to
do this and the implications. In particular :
(a) Since we shall have to discuss with the Chinese the
extension of CEDAW as a new IRO to Hong Kong, it will soon
become apparent to them that we are entering into an
international obligation which might entail amendment to the JD
(and also to the Basic Law). We cannot expect them to take
this lightly.
Both have
(b) Would you be thinking in terms of terminating the
existing policies or extending them to include women?
their pros and cons.
(c) How do you assess possible reaction in the New
Territories. We would imagine that it would make little
difference in the eyes of the villages whether a change in
policy was deliberately initiated by the Hong Kong Government or
arose from a legal decision subsequent to your accession to
CEDAW. We assume we could not rule out New Territories'
villages appealing directly to the Chinese if they felt their rights were being infringed in contravention of the Joint
Declaration.
Grateful for your views in due course."
4 Janaury 1990
CC:
Mr Rankin, Legal Advisers
Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers
Mrs Britton, UND
MUKAFN
Atil you
P Major (Ms)
Hong Kong Department