TNAG-1987-FCO40-2820-Presentation-of-UK-policy-on-Hong-Kong-to-the-media-1989 — Page 35

1

E. BASIC LAW

1.

UK ROLE IN BASIC LAW DRAFTING PROCESS

Although drafting of Basic Law is a matter for Chinese

Government, we have right to satisfy ourselves that provisions of Basic Law fully accord with terms of Joint Declaration.

2.

PROGRESS IN PRESSING FOR CHANGES IN BASIC LAW?

Continuing to use all appropriate channels open to us to influence drafting process in ways helpful to Hong Kong.

Former Foreign Secretary raised Basic Law with Chinese Foreign

Minister on 30 July and again on 28 September.

But

Much in Basic Law which is already entirely satisfactory. if it is to command confidence in Hong Kong, must ensure that concerns of Hong Kong people are fully taken into account in final

version.

3. WHAT SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF BASIC LAW HAVE YOU RAISED?

Cannot be expected to comment publicly on details of confidential

exchanges with another government.

WILL HMG TAKE ACTION IN RESPONSE TO SUSPENSION OF MARTIN LEE AND

SZETO WAH FROM BLDC?

4.

Members of Basic Law Drafting Committee are appointed by Standing

Committee of National People's Congress. Suspension of Mr Lee and

Mr Szeto (Seeto) is therefore a matter for Chinese authorities and

the two members concerned.

We have made clear to Chinese authorities on a number of

occasions our hope that they will take account of full range of

opinion in Hong Kong in drafting Basic Law.

There remain 18 Hong Kong members out of a total of 51 on the

BLDC.

MAXAEM