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who expressed their views. The impression of general acceptance was
supported by the overall picture gained from reports by and through
the media, and also by the findings of various independent opinion
surveys. The report comments, however, that overall acceptance of the
draft agreement has in many cases been accompanied by expressions of concern and anxiety about its implementation.
5. The Assessment Office received comments on every aspect of the
draft agreement. The sections to attract the most attention were
those dealing with:
6.
i) constitutional arrangements, including the drafting of the
Basic Law and the appointment of the Chief Executive of the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
ii) defence, with much concern expressed about the stationing
of Chinese military forces in Hong Kong and the possibility of
conscription;
iii) immigration, travel documents and nationality. In
particular there was bitterness and some confusion about the
change in the status of BDTCs after 1997 and the fact that the
new status, like the old, would carry no right of abode in the United Kingdom.
The full catalogue of public comments on the agreement, as set
out in the report, is a comprehensive and detailed one. It will be
of value as an indication to the Chinese Government of the many
questions about the agreement and its implementation that remain in the minds of the Hong Kong people. It will also serve as important background for our discussion with the Chinese in the Joint Liaison
Group.
B 7.
The report of the Monitoring Team is very much more succinct.
The Team are satisfied that the Assessment Office performed its duties impartially; faithfully followed the procedures prescribed
for it; and accurately analysed and assessed the submissions which
it received. The Monitors endorse the conclusion of the Assessment
Office that "most of the people of Hong Kong find the draft
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