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LORD GLENARTHUR'S ADDRESS TO THE RCDS, 16 MARCH
Supplementation for question and answer
Confidence in Hong Kong remains good. Some increase in emigration, but many of those who leave subsequently return. Excellent economic performance in 1987 - GDP increased by 13.6%.
Both the British and Chinese Governments fully committed to the
full and faithful implementation of the Joint Declaration. In the interests of maintaining Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. Significant progress has been made by the Joint Liaison Group since
established in 1985.
HKB 011/
Background
1.
Hong Kong Government February White Paper announced decision to
introduce 10 directly elected seats into the Legislative Council in
1991. Decision generally welcomed as balanced and reasonable
response to views of the community as a whole.
2. HMG doing everything possible to help relieve Hong Kong of its
Vietnamese refugee burden. Taking a further 468 and making strenous
efforts to persuade other countries to resettle more. Using every
opportunity in bilateral and multilateral form to seek durable
solutions. Need to persuade Vietnamese authorities to accept back
under suitable safeguards those who do not meet accepted refugee
criteria.
3. A first draft of the Basic Law is due to be published in May
this year.
Public consultation period will follow - law will be
promulgated in 1990. Drafting is a matter for the Chinese Government. But HMG take close interest, attach great importance to
the Basic Law reflecting all provisions of the Joint Declaration.
Basic Law Consultative Committee in Hong Kong collects Hong Kong
people's views and reflects them to Basic Law Drafting Committee.
We welcome the fact that Hong Kong people therefore able to
participate in important task.
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