TNAG-1755-FCO40-2475-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 66

Johnslön

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(илиет Blake Blackpoo

19

g.

Need for authentic English text of Basic Law?

There is considerable force in the argument for this. The

Hong Kong Courts will be working on the basis of the common law

system, and will need an official English text to be able to function properly. Article 9 of the draft Basic Law provides that 'the English language may also be used by the executive authorities,

legislature and judicial organs of the Hong Kong SAR'. Recent

statements by Chinese officials indicate that they are now fully seized of the importance of having an authentic English text

available.

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