TNAG-1377-FCO40-1825-Future-of-Hong-Kong-legislation-Hong-Kong-Bill-1985 — Page 146

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during her visit. Mechanism of that consultation not yet clear.

Introduction of Direct Elections

7.

Public

comment

on

proposals

contained

in

the Green

Green Paper

of

published in Hong Kong in July showed little evidence of support for introduction

direct elections in immediate future.

recognise need to ensure

are not put at

too

rapidly.

1987 review.

People that Hong Kong's stability and prosperity risk by introducing too many constitutional changes Further consideration will be given to question

in

Will agreement be registered at the UN?

8. Yes. We shall register it at the UN in accordance with normal

international practice.

Pensions

9.

The

agreement provides

that the

SAR Government will pay all

pensions, gratuities and other benefits due to public servants and dependents including those who have retired before 1 July 1997.

Conscription into PLA

say

that

Chinese

With one billion

10. The agreement does not refer to the question of conscription.

This is not to

there

be will

conscription.

Government have not suggested that

not suggested that there would be. Chinese people can see little need to conscript from 5 million Hong

Kong people.

Stationing of PLA in Hong Kong after 1997?

Agreement

the

11. Clear the PRC will be responsible for SAR's defence. troops be stationed there will be a matter

Government.

SAR government responsibility of

SAR for

of the purpose

affairs.

Whether

for the Central People's

makes clear

that

and that

public

order will

be

that troops

stationed

in

defence will not

in its interfere

internal

Bill of Rights

12.

Agreement provides explicitly

for

maintenance by the

SAR of

rights and freedoms previously in force in Hong Kong and for them to be protected by law. Also stipulates that provisions of relevant

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