TNAG-1748-FCO40-2467-Visit-by-Sir-Geoffrey-Howe--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-a-1988 — Page 64

THE WAY FORWARD

CONFIDENTIAL

7. Many of the aspects of the draft which are of concern to us (eg human rights, the judicial system) are already the subject of

intense discussion in Hong Kong. We will, in conjunction with the

Hong Kong Government, carefully monitor the public debate in Hong

Kong, and ensure that, where appropriate, these points are taken

into account in our own further contacts with the Chinese

authorities.

A number of opportunities will present themselves in

addition to the usual channels in the next few months, including the visits of mainland BLDC members and Ji Pengfei to Hong Kong. The

Hong Kong Government will be arranging contacts with Government

officials for the mainland drafters. We shall also be pursuing more

technical drafting points with the Chinese in our private contacts.

Mr Fifoot stands ready for further discussions between legal experts

either in June during the visit of mainland drafters to Hong Kong,

or, if their sensitivities about contact with British officials

lead them to decline that, in Peking, perhaps in July.

CONFIDENTIAL