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(C)
ARRANGEMENTS FOR TESTING THE ACCEPTABILITY IN HONG KONG OF AN
AGREEMENT WITH THE CHINESE
1. On 23 May colleagues endorsed a general approach towards testing
acceptability of an agreement in Hong Kong. The present paper discusses mechanics of such an arrangement.
2.
(i)
(ii)
Paper describes arrangements covering the following areas:
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
3.
Prior preparation of public opinion in Hong Kong; Publication of draft agreement, together with supporting documents, as White Paper in Britain and Hong Kong; Introduction and distribution of White Paper in Hong Kong; Nature of invitation to Hong Kong opinion to comment on
agreement. Paper discusses relative merits of specific
question and general inviation to comment, and recommends latter device;
Machinery of assessment, comprising special assessment office
of Hong Kong government, overseen by small team of
independent "monitors". Paper considers tasks of monitors;
their necessary qualifications; and nature of suitable of
suitable candidates;
Timing of exercise. Governor advises two months is minimum
period for consultation and assessment in Hong Kong after publication of draft agreement (probably at end of September). I prefer slightly curtailed timetable allowing
Parliamentary debates in last week of November;
Need to inform Chinese government of our intentions shortly before public announcement is made.
test)
In my view, proposed arrangements would constitute adequately credible of acceptability, while keeping the many potential risks to a minimum. Exercise could reasonably be presented to Parliament and the world as an objective one, not susceptible to being "fixed" by HMG. Hong Kong people would be given a firm steer, but would be
able to express their conclusions freely. Chinese will dislike excercise but should not find the form it takes intolerably
provocative. Correct monitoring system difficult to decide. Risk
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