WOZAGN (3)
CONFIDENTIAL
Defensive points
[For general use except where shown]
DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT?
A matter for Parliament to decide. Debate in House of Lords on
10 June. No firm plans at this stage for House of Commons debate.
Understand Chinese spokemen have said it is not a matter for
them if Parliament choose to debate Basic Law.
LEGCO/DISTRICT BOARD DEBATES?
Basic Law is clearly matter of great importance in Hong Kong.
Would expect such bodies to wish to debate it.
HUMAN RIGHTS ASPECTS?
Draft Basic Law (Article 38) provides that provisions of the
two international covenants on human rights shall be implemented in
the SAR. Admittedly some criticism in Hong Kong of drafting of
other parts of Chapter III of Basic Law to the effect that they are
inconsistent with Article 38. Not clear that there are substantive
look more like drafting points.
issues
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NEED FOR AUTHENTIC ENGLISH TEXT OF BASIC LAW
[For Governor, officials, ExCol
See little chance of equally authentic English text. But
possible that Chinese could accept official English text, with
caveat that in case of divergence, Chinese text would be decisive.
[For general use]
Much comment in Hong Kong on the need for an authentic English
text of the Basic Law. Focus in particular on need for Hong Kong
SAR courts, operating on the common law system, to have authentic
English text to be able to function properly. See force in arguments for an official text. Sure these views will emerge during public consultation process.
JUDICIAL SYSTEM
[For Governor, officials, ExCol
Need to have some machinery in these areas to determine
disputes as to where power lies.
Also need to remember that
CONFIDENTIAL
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