TNAG-1970-FCO40-2803-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation-1989 — Page 58

COZAIR(5)

JASIC LAW

8.

A revised draft of the Basic Law was considered by the Standing

Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress from 15-22 February. It was published on 24 February for a second round of consultation in Hong Kong. Many amendments have been made to the

first draft which go a long way towards meeting the concerns expressed in Hong Kong about the first draft. However, there remains considerable disagreement over the provisions on the future political structure. We have so far refrained from commenting publicly on this aspect other than to express the hope that a consensus will emerge.