TNAG-1334-FCO40-1766-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-1984 — Page 134

CONFIDENT'AL

though Orders under paragraph 2 or 3 will of course be capable of amendment or

revocation by virtue of s.14 of the Interpretation Act. The definition covers

enactments and instruments passed or made at any time before 1 July 1997. This

will make it unnecessary for legislation drafted between Royal Assent and that date

to take account of the future change of status of Hong Kong though it will of course

be possible to do so.

Para 2(2)

You will see an express power to fix times by which applications for the new status

have to be made. And there is a provision dealing with paragraph 4 of your letter

of 29 November. I could think of no way of covering that point by implication.

Para 4

This should give you all the provisions of the 1964 Act (including s.4) so far as it

applies to diplomatic agents.

I do not think I need print the Bill until we have a definite date for Legislation.

Committee and I think I can wait until then before sending copies to the Scottish and

Northern Ireland draftsmen. But you should perhaps show this draft to the Attorney

General (ours as well as the Chinese one!).

Yours sincerely

C H de WAAL

the wave

CONFIDENT'AL