TNAG-2289-FCO40-3293-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1991 — Page 37

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Mr Cox

Mr Bunten

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HONG KONG: BASIC LAW

1.

I agree that Mr Wye's minute of 23 October (attached) makes useful points on where the balance lies on the question of re-opening the Basic Law.

2.

I think it would be useful to do a note to Lord Caithness on this general subject. Most of us working on the issues do not have a memory going back as far as the Basic Law negotiations. Once we have had any comments from Hong Kong and Peking, could Mr Bunten, in consultation with Mr Wye, work up a check list showing:

(a) specific points which we want to see changed in the Basic Law or on which we are under pressure from Hong Kong to change (directly elected seats, nationality restrictions on LegCo members and principal officials. Any others?);

(b) points where the Basic Law is more favourable than the JD, such as the democracy points you identify.

3. A short covering submission could then set out the pros and cons of seeking to re-open the Basic Law. There is no need to seek operational decisions at this stage, but it would be a useful reminder that all the arguments are not on one side.

PF Ricketts

Honk Kong Dept WH307A

270 2647

6 November 1991

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Mr Wye, RAD

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