TNAG-1985-FCO40-2818-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 155

now,

Jag

-

The Joint Declaration provides a comprehensive framework for Hong

Kong's future and covers every aspect of Hong Kong's life. Our task

in which I continue to be closely involved as I was in the

negotiation of the Joint Declaration itself is to turn that

blueprint into practical reality. The Joint Declaration remains the

constant point of reference in

everything which we have so far agreed with them about Hong Kong's future is fully consistent with its provision.

all our

discussions with the Chinese:

The drafting of the Basic Law for the Hong Kong Special

Administrative Region of China, which will enjoy a high degree of

autonomy after 1997, is an important step in the process launched by

the signing of the Joint Declaration. It is remarkable that China

should now be engaged in producing a constitutional document,

meticulous in detail and comprehensive in scope, with such care and

attention and in such close consultation with the people of Hong

Kong.

Although the drafting of the Basic Law is a matter for the Chinese

Government, the British Government have the right to satisfy

themselves that its provisions fully accord with the terms of the

Joint Declaration. We have been following the drafting process very

closely and have had a fruitful dialogue with the Chinese

authorities throughout the drafting process In particular, we have

sought to ensure that the Chinese authorities are fully aware of the

concerns of the Hong Kong people about the draft.

•

The second draft of the Basic Law, published at the end of February,

is a considerable improvement on the first, reflecting the sincere

desire of the drafters to take account of Hong Kong opinion. The

British Government will consider carefully, in the light of

reactions in Hong Kong in the course of the second round of public

consultation which is now underway, what further views should be

conveyed to the

the Chinese authorities. Senior Chinese officials have

indicated that the second draft will be subject to further revision

and amendment. The final text will then be promulgated by the

Chinese National People's Congress in 1990.