Date
CONFIDENTIAL
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11
Appendix III
Chinese Comments on Through Train/Convergence
Official/Sources
/Commentators
5.7.93
Chinese sources quoted by ATV
Comments
Of the "four demands" made by the British side at the talks, the Chinese side will only talk about the through train issue.
5.7.93
Ta Kung Pao editorial
5.7.93
Kwan Chiu in Ta Kung Pao
Article 104 of the BL only stipulates the procedures for those holding public office. in the SAR to assume office. It is not the "objective standards" for the through train as claimed by Mr Patten. The through train is in fact governed by Paragraph 6 of the NPC resolution in 1990 on the return of the SAR Legislative Assembly. The SARPC reserves the right to "inspect tickets".
Apart from Article 104, the through train has to meet the requirements of the 1990 NPC resolution. This is an internal matter for the Chinese after 1997 and the British have no say in the "ticket inspection" system.
5.7.93
6.7.93
HK Commercial Daily editorial
Chinese sources quoted by Ming Pao
Mr Patten has quoted Article 104 of the BL out of context. One major premise is that if the formation of Legco in 1995 does not tally with the requirements for the return of the first SAR Legislative Assembly in 1997, there will be no through train.
The NPC Standing Committee has the final say in interpreting the BL. It could now legislate the conditions for people riding the through train and explain what is meant by "pledging allegiance to the SAR and upholding the BL". The Chinese side has not yet decided whether to make such a move because it has never intended to explain the relevant contents of the BL before the mini-constitution comes into effect.
CONFIDENTIAL