TNAG-1883-FCO40-2674-Visits-by-Lord-Glenarthur--Minister-of-State-for-Foreign-and-1989 — Page 26

JIWACM

CONFIDENTIAL

VISIT OF LORD GLENARTHUR TO HONG KONG: 7-11 JANUARY 1989

BRIEF NO 4: BASIC LAW

Objectives

1. To assess Hong Kong reactions to recent amendments to the draft

Basic Law.

2. To reassure Hong Kong people that HMG continue to attach the highest priority to achieving a Basic Law which enables Hong Kong people to have confidence in the future.

Points to Make

[see Brief No 5 for points on human rights, and No 6 for points on

the political system]

[With Governor, officials and Excol

Assessment of reactions in Hong Kong to reported amendments?

Drafting Committee seem to have been very responsive to concerns expressed in Hong Kong. Many improvements made.

Still some points which could be improved. Will continue to pursue these with Chinese authorities through all appropriate

channels.

We shall study second draft very carefully when it is published, consider how best to take up outstanding points with Chinese.

[For general use]

Reports of amendments made to first draft of Basic Law are encouraging. Many changes have been made which meet concerns of Hong Kong people. This is very welcome. Drafting Committee deserve

credit for this.

CONFIDENTIAL