BASIC LAW
CONFIDENTIAL
Objectives
1. To convince Committee that any public reference to
representations to Chinese on detailed provisions of Basic Law could be counterproductive at such a sensitive stage.
2. To convince Committee that we have nevertheless made vigorous efforts to ensure that Chinese are aware of our views and concerns of Hong Kong people on all key points, including those in Committee's report.
Points to make
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Actual drafting of the Basic Law (a national law of China) has to be for Chinese authorities in consultation with Hong Kong people.
As joint signatory to JD, we have legitimate right to ensure that final version of Basic Law fully accords with terms of JD. No question about this. We shall exercise that right if, after promulgation, we find there are inconsistencies.
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Also important that Basic Law, when promulgated, commands full support and confidence of Hong Kong people.
But
Naturally, in order to enable Chinese to take account of our views we have made them known to Chinese through number of channels. cannot expect any government to react well to detail of government-to-government exchanges being made public. Therefore if our representations are to be effective, their confidentiality must be respected.
We cannot comment further on those exchanges now. Not in Hong Kong's interests: could jeopardise chances of final version of Basic Law being best possible one for Hong Kong.
Welcome fact that Basic Law drafters are again consulting Hong Kong people in following disruption of consultation period over
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CONFIDENTIAL
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