TNAG-2325-FCO40-3369-Hong-Kong-Bill-of-Rights-policy-1991 — Page 204

CONFIDENTIAL

but

incorporation has the virtue of not suggesting

contrary in the Bill of Rights, how are they likely to react to a formula expressly incorporating the Covenant - a step

that the ICCUR was not formerly

which, so far as more general human rights thinking goes, is fully

potentially at least more fundamental than piecemeal implementation.

"Incorporation" is the ultimate step in further implementation. If the Chinese are only seeking to demonstrate that they can get particular words in the Bill changed, the finer points of the change may not concern them.

4. As regards Clause 4, I think we are prepared to go along with the ExCo formula, but, as I have commented before, I do not consider that this provision should be a sticking point for Hong Kong.

of

"implemented"."

10 January 1991

Paul Fifoot Legal Advisers

7PFAAJ

CONFIDENTIAL