TNAG-1877-FCO40-2668-Student-demonstrations-and-internal-political-situation-in-C-1989 — Page 26

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TOMARJ (9)

BASIC LAW

IS BASIC LAW NOW OF ANY VALUE?

Public consultation in Hong Kong over Basic Law effectively suspended for the time being. Hope that developments in China will make it possible to resume work on Basic Law as soon as possible.

Basic Law of crucial importance to Hong Kong's future for at

least 50 years after 1997. Recent events have not changed that

reality.

WILL HONG KONG PEOPLE STILL TRUST CHINA?

Recent events will inevitably call China's sincerity and

reliability into question in the eyes of some Hong Kong people.

Important that China continues to behave responsibly towards Hong Kong and, takes care to get the Basic Law right.

We will hold Chinese government to their obligations under the

Joint Declaration. Very much in China's own long term interests to

see Hong Kong remain stable and prosperous.

BASIC LAW SHOULD BE REVISED TO PREVENT CHINA FROM IMPOSING MARTIAL

LAW IN HONG KONG

Basic Law process has been suspended. See little point in

discussing specific aspects of it under present circumstances.

But it is clear that if the Basic Law is er to command

confidence in Hong Kong it must cater fully for the concerns of Hong

Kong people, which recent events will have seriously aggravated.