WOZAGN (2)
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 29-31 MAY 1988
BRIEF NO 7: BASIC LAW
Objectives
1. To establish the mood in Hong Kong one month after the
publication of the draft Basic Law for consultation.
2. To reassure Hong Kong opinion that HMG would be concerned about any failure to give effect to the Joint Declaration in the Basic
Law and would make their views known to the Chinese authorities.
Points to make
GENERAL POINTS
[For use with Governor, officials, ExCol
Assessment of mood so far in Hong Kong? Any unexpected
comments?
Assessment of likely Chinese responsiveness to public comment?
For our part, we will do all we can to press for improvements
in draft where we perceive defects. Variety of channels available.
Hope further contacts between legal experts, perhaps in June, will prove fruitful.
Seems inevitable that there will be Parliamentary debates in
both Houses before summer is out. Will consider whether it would be
possible to prime some participants to make points we ourselves
would like to see made (eg on human rights, economic policies).
Would not wish to be seen defending Chinese draft against
all-comers. But MPs likely to take lead from eg Martin Lee and
other "liberals".
Some commentators appear to forget question of sovereignty.
Hong Kong SAR will have high degree of autonomy, not absolute
autonomy or independence. Inevitable that certain powers will be reserved to central authorities (eg interpretation of Basic Law
foreign affairs and defence). Similar kind of reservations exist today. Any views on how best to counter these criticisms?
[For general use]
Glad that full opportunity has been given to Hong Kong people
CONFIDENTIAL
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