TNAG-2346-FCO40-3415-Political-relations-between-Hong-Kong--Japan-and-China-1991 — Page 143

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Reference

(c) the Chinese Government could not accept the idea that any law should be put above the Basic Law. The Basic Law mentioned that the ICCPR would continue to be valid after 1997. This "would not be a big issue". (I tried to clarify the Chinese attitude to this subject was the last sentence

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meant to indicate a conciliatory Chinese attitude? Mr Takahashi was unable to comment. He merely repeated the formula);

(d) the Hong Kong authorities must retain the ability to govern. If actions or decisions by the Hong Kong authorities had implications after 1997, the Chinese Government wanted to be consulted. This was acceptable to both sides.

Rethaja

P A Major

1 July 1991

CC: Mr Seaton, FED

Mr

Paul

MUKAOL

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