TNAG-1754-FCO40-2474-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 249

WOZAGN (3)

PUBLIC REACTION IN HONG KONG

CONFIDENTIAL

5. A lively debate in Hong Kong has already begun. Some criticisms of the draft have already been aired, along expected

lines. Points attracting most attention are:

i)

ii)

the political system, including provision for direct

elections, the concept of a "Grand Electoral College", and the accountability of the executive authorities to the

legislature;

whether the SAR will enjoy the promised high degree of

autonomy;

iii)

iv)

the relationship between the Basic Law and the Chinese

Constitution;

the power of courts in Hong Kong to interpret the Basic Law; and the application of "nationwide statutes";

v)

provision for guarantees of human rights;

vi)

the provisions on the economy;

vii) the need for an authentic English text of the Basic Law;

viii) provisions on nationality, and whether Hong Kong Chinese who

hold foreign passports will also be considered as Chinese nationals (and hence eligible for senior public service and political posts).

(ii) and (iv) look like causing the greatest difficulty.

There is

a widespread feeling (echoed in the House of Lords debate) that the relationship between the Central People's Government and the SAR Government in the judicial and legislative field is tilted too far against the SAR Government. But there are issues of national sovereignty involved about which the Chinese will feel very strongly.

CONFIDENTIAL