BA RAB R
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VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER
BRIEF NO 16: PRESS CONFERENCE
(iii) Basic Law
(General)
1.
2.
Basic Law a matter for China.
In touch with
But HMG follow closely and with much interest. Chinese Government on all aspects of implementation of Joint
Declaration.
3.
Impressed by serious and conscientious approach of all BLDC members, Hong Kong and mainland, to their important task.
(China can put what it wants into Basic Law and British will/can do
nothing.)
4.
Not so.
China committed by treaty to stipulating in Basic
Believe Law policies set out in Joint Declaration and Annex I. Basic Law draftsmen are conscientiously seeking to do so. Hong Kong people are also being closely involved in drafting.
(What if they did deviate?)
5.
No reason to believe this will happen. But if clear that provision proposed for Basic Law was inconsistent with Joint Declaration Britain would have right and duty, as co-signatory of that agreement, to take up with Chinese.
(China not taking account of Hong Kong views.)
6.
But
Have
Not for me to comment on procedures for drafting. elaborate procedures established to seek Hong Kong opinions. impression that Hong Kong drafters play very active part, and their
are taken into account. Up to Hong Kong people to take all opportunities to contribute to work which will so greatly affect your own future.
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