CONFIDENTIAL
PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO CHINA AND HONG KONG : 18-21
DECEMBER 1984
CHINA
BRIEF NO. 1: MEETING WITH THE CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER:
SUPPLEMENTARY BRIEF FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
SPEAKING NOTES
BASIC LAW
1. Prime Minister has stressed importance of getting Basic Law right. As important as agreement: if mistakes in Basic Law could have very serious effect for our joint enterprise.
But not easy. Some parts of Basic Law already clear, because
agreement provides that policies laid down will be stipulated
in the Basic Law. But in some areas will need to be more in.
Basic Law, especially on constitutional structures.
2.
Entirely recognise that drafting of Basic Law is Chinese
task. But at same time is fundamental part of implementing
agreement. Will be difficult to draft law which will both be
Chinese in style and therefore suitable for NPC but also
fully comprehensible to courts in Hong Kong which will
continue under agreement to use British legal system. We shall be willing in Joint Liaison Group to give informally
any advice we can. Are not asking for formal part in
drafting of law: fully understand delicacy of matter for your
side. But believe some discussion in Joint Liaison Group
would be beneficial to both sides.
3.
Prime Minister has expressed appreciation of undertaking
to solicit opinions from Hong Kong on drafting of Basic Law. Very important for confidence in Hong Kong that local people
should feel they are being consulted, and that their views
are being taken seriously. Will also assist in production of
a Basic Law appropriate to local circumstances. The more closely Hong Kong people can be involved in drafting, the
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.