TNAG-1722-FCO40-2415-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1988 — Page 231

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AGENT GENERAL FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA

27 BRITISH COLUMBIA HOUSE

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LONDON SWIY 4NS

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f8th July, 1988.

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The Rt. Hon. Sir Geoffrey Howe, QC, MP,

Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs,

Downing Street, LONDON SWIA 2AL.

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Sir Geoffrey

19

See 1826

I noted with interest an article on the weekend indicating that the Hong Kong Basic Law is now being given some additional in-depth consideration.

This is a matter that has long interested me. Unfortunately, all my relevant files are in British Columbia, hence it would be appreciated if you could have sent to me a copy of the current draft plus the current account of Government position and/or Hansard debate.

As Attorney General and Minister of Intergovernmental Relations for our Province, I was involved in our Constitutional rounds from 1976 until I no longer sought office in 1986. I had much to do with the patriation of our Constitution, and as well introduced on behalf of our Government the first Constitutional Amendment after 1982, namely to include "Property Rights" with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. My recollection is that "Property Rights" is a matter rather obviously deleted from the draft Basic Law.

You may recall that I met you in company with Premier Vander Zalm, and also that you are a good friend