CONFIDENTIAL
(I) BASIC LAW
19. A number of noble Lords have raised the important question of the need to involve the people of Hong Kong in the drafting of the Basic Law. The drafting of the Basic Law will be a matter for the Chinese government to undertake. However i it is stated in the agreement itself that the policies described in the Joint Declaration and Annex I will
be stipulated in the Basic Law. This means that we already have a good idea of what will go into it. The Chinese Government has stated that the people of Hong Kong will be consulted on its drafting, although it has not yet been made
clear what form this consultation will take. In the period
between now and 1997 there will be a need for close
co-operation between the British and Chinese Governments.
The Joint Liaison Group exists for this purpose, and we look forward to a constructive and amicable dialogue.
CONFIDENTIAL
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