CONFIDENTIAL
DCA Refryce
Broad
on 19 April, no questions asked on direct elections. agreement in community to support decisions and make them work.
BASIC LAW
Next major event is publication of first draft of Basic Law, due tomorrow [28 April].
Constitutia
Draft will be subject to public consultation for 5 months, then revised. Consultation process then repeated before formal adoption and promulgation. Elaborate arrangements made by Chinese to discuss with Hong Kong people and seek their views.
Drafting of Basic Law is of course responsibility of Chinese Government. But as Foreign Secretary said in Parliament in January, we have right to satisfy ourselves that Basic Law accurately reflects provisions of Joint Declaration.
Can tell you in confidence that from the outset we have had exchanges with Chinese on Basic Law through range of channels. They have been surprisingly receptive to our views. But we do not draw attention to these exchanges: better in public to lay stress on China's formal responsibility. Exchanges will continue.
Will wish to study draft very carefully. But on basis of advance copy provided by Chinese Government, seems a broadly reasonable document. There are certain defects, and also areas which are likely to be much discussed in Hong Kong. If there are provisions in this draft which need revision, Hong Kong people should put to the Chinese Government clear and sensible alternatives. No reason to doubt Hong Kong people's ability to do so or Chinese willingness to listen. We shall do all we can, behind the scenes, to press for improvement where defects are perceived in the text.
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.