TNAG-1863-FCO40-2643-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1989 — Page 14

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

12

Article 31 of the PRC Constitution

It

As regards Article 31 of the PRC Constitution, the British Embassy's Note handed over on 7 September made one suggestion.

is understood that others have been

advanced by the Business and Professional Group in Hong Kong. For our part we remain of the view that the problem here is not SO much whether, as a matter of the existing law of the PRC, the concern that has been expressed is justified. Rather it is a matter of establishing whether there is a sufficiently authoritative way of dispelling

it.

I do not think we would wish to express a preference as between different ways of achieving such a result.

Style and Textual Matters

a

In my letter to you of 17 November last, I included a detailed linguistic comparison of the English text of the draft with the Chinese text. I enclose with

this letter

similar comparison as regards the February As with its predecessor, this is concerned with style, drafting and consistency and almost, but entirely relates to the English text. If it would be helpful, our colleagues would be happy to go over this paper with one of your colleagues. We also hope that it will be of assistance to your translators.

1989 text.

matters of

not quite,

I

am afraid this is a rather substantial

collection of points. However, time is running short in

view of your timetable and I am conscious that the

Opportunities for discussion with you Our concerns are

limited.

I hope that, with our common experience of the usefulness of past meetings through the confidential channel, a further meeting can take place.

Yours sincerely,

(Paul Fifoot)

Comments

Approved members can add comments, bookmarks, and private notes.

No comments yet.

Private Research Note

Private notes are available after approval.