TNAG-1852-FCO40-2627-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 11

BASIC LAW

CONFIDENTIAL

Have taken careful note of Committee's detailed recommendation on draft Basic Law. Many of Committee's concerns have also been put forward by Hong Kong members of the Basic Law Consultive Committee.

Welcome fact that Basic Law drafters are again consulting Hong Kong people in following disruption of consultation period over

summer.

Basic Law Drafting Committee Special Groups on the political system and CPG/SAR relationship met their opposite numbers from Basic Law Consultive Committee in Canton on 21 November.

―

Have examined carefully views which emerged from that meeting. Will continue to follow final stages of drafting process very

closely.

- As joint signatory to JD, we have legitimate right to ensure that final version of Basic Law fully accords with terms of JD.

Also important that Basic Law, when promulgated, commands full support and confidence of Hong Kong people.

Have made our views known to Chinese through number of channels. But as we explained in our observations on Committee's report, if these representation are to be effective, their confidentiality must

be respected.

Have taken careful note of Committee's detailed recommendations on draft Basic Law. Many of Committee's concerns have also been put forward by Hong Kong members of the Basic Law Consultive Committee.

NESACR (4)

CONFIDENTIAL