TNAG-1399-FCO40-1871-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1985 — Page 29

Date

12.4.85

(cont'd)

BASIC LAW (50)

Statements by Chinese

Officials

Newspaper Comments/Editorials Non-Communist

Communist

Statements/Comments

by others

be drawn on the limit of

the NPC power in this

area. The NPC should

have power over military and diplomatic matters but the power to interpret the provisions concerning internal and legal matters should rest with HK's court.

Ming Pao: Since it will benefit the drafting of the Basic law if there are different views and debates, the selection of the small number of HK people who do not have any particular political inclination will

therefore carry great significance. Five years will be enough for the drawing up of a

comprehensive Basic Law.

HK Bar Association Chairman Denis Chang: Representatives of functional groups and other organisations can be considered for

inclusion in the Basic Law drafting committee. The Basic Law should be detailed and yet

flexible. The grey area in the Joint Declaration, such as those concerning HK's autonomy, should be further clarified. The power to interpret the Basic Law should rest with HK's courts.

* Local NPC delegate Ng Homan: HK people who wish to express their views on Basic Law could initiate the setting up of a consultative committee. Local NPC delegates will discuss the Basic Law and make suggestions to Peking.