TNAG-1602-FCO40-2198-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1987 — Page 122

5.2

Other opinions

1) Regarding the "third party" mentioned in Point (3) above,

some members held that it should be the State Council whereas other members proposed to set up a specific organisation for this propose it. On the other hand, views have been expressed that if conflicts and disputes between the HKSAR and mainland provinces/regions fel: within the terms of reference of the Central Government,

the Central Government should have the final say.

As regards the mediation procedures, some members held that it would be to the benefit of the HKSAR to have them

stipulated in the Basic Law, whereas other members proposed otherwise for the sake of flexibility of the Basic Law.

2) Relationship between the HKSAR and the Guangdong Province

in

be

Hong Kong and the Guangdong Province are close to each other in terms of location as well as relationship. At present, the supply of water and foodstuff in Hong Kong is largely imported from the Guangdong Province. It is expected that the relationship will be even closer after 1997. To facilitate communication between the two places, it is proposed that A special liaison office be set up the SAR and the province. In this way, there will direct dealings between the HKSAR and the province in economic affairs, etc. So that it is not necessary to refer every matter to the organisation under the Central Government. Matters concerning illegal immigration, border incidents

and fishing waters should be resolved by consultation between the Guangdong Province and Hong Kong through appropriate channels. Matters which cannot be resolved through consultation will be referred to the

State Council.

3) It was pointed out that the organisation for handling the affairs between the SAR and the various provinces/regions after 1997 will be different from the present arrangement. As the sovereignty of China will be reverted to China, the British Embassy in Beijing (See para. 3 for its duties)

can

no longer represent Hong Kong to deal with her affairs, including the issuing of visas.

The functions

and powers concerning Hong Kong have all along been exercised by the British Embassy on behalf of the British

Government.

After 1997. this organisation should be

replaced by:

a Hong Kong organisation: or

1.

2.

A Central organisation; or

3. a organisation under both Hong Kong and the Central.

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