isposals only
Chamberlain
Stanley
Chamberlain
Hum
Sumberg
Hum
We are talking. Impractical to reach fait accompli before consulting HKG and HK people.
Meaning of consultation?. China.
Two weeks notice to
Obligation in JD for closer co-operation. Has been fulfilled by consultations taking place. Matter of judgement whether Governor's proposals should have been published before consultation complete. Legal obligation to consult says nothing about timing.
Chinese side briefed in detail in UN 2 weeks before. Also communications in Peking. And Governor went to Peking to launch process of
discussion. Seen fr ing pup-s
Timing of Governor's visit?
July appointed October visit
Consistency of Proposals
V
Canavan
New FCs and EC proposals
-
China claim breach.
Chamberlain Need for nine new FCs in 1997. BL silent on
composition.
Canavan
Government modified proposals. Are new proposals on safer legal ground than original ones?
Chamberlain
No
Canavan
original ones consistent.
Interpretation of BL is a matter for NPC sc. Unwise for Government to go ahead unilaterally with proposals which Standing Committee is likely to deem incompatible with BL.
Chamberlain No unilateral action. Proposals for discussion.
BL provision on 1st LegCo through train - makes it incumbent on both sides to reach agreement.
Harris
Hum
Harris
Wareing
Chamberlain
Do Chinese understand concept of proposals?
JD says UK responsible for administration of Hong Kong prior to 1997. PRC to give co-operation.
Helpful
If Government proposed unilateral action what would your advice be to Governor?
Reluctant to advise on hypothetical situation. As regards the question about the "spirit" of JD/BL -as a lawyer I hate the concept of the "spirit" of the law- usually used by those who advocate a position for which they