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CALL BY SIR PETER BLAKER MP ON LORD GLENARTHUR, 7 MARCH 1988
POINTS TO MAKE
A.
WHITE PAPER
Reaction in Hong Kong has been generally favourable.
Decisions provide for continuity and durability of Hong Kong's
system of government: this should help confidence.
Grateful for Sir P Blaker's helpful and positive remarks to
Hong Kong press.
But critics remain, both in Hong Kong and UK. Shall need to
work hard to demonstrate that our chosen course is the right one.
Grateful for any thoughts Sir P Blaker has about this.
B.
BASIC LAW
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Attention in Hong Kong now shifting to Basic Law.
Period of public consultation in Hong Kong will be important
for confidence: important that first draft is broadly acceptable.
Although drafting is for Chinese, HMG has legitimate interest
and duty to ensure terms of Joint Declaration are fully and
faithfully implemented.
Parliamentary debate on Basic Law (if asked) right and proper
that British Parliament should take close interest in Basic Law
insofar as it relates to implementation of Joint Declaration. Sir P
Blaker's views on likelihood of Debate?
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Human rights (if asked): important that Basic Law fully and
faithfully reflects provisions of JD on human rights. Our aim is to
ensure this happens. No reason to believe Chinese will depart from
JD in this respect.
Electoral college idea (if asked): this is one of many aspects relating to arrangements for the transition which will need to be
discussed with Chinese in detail. Would not wish to exclude any
option in advance. But obviously essential that arrangements must command confidence of Hong Kong people.
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