RESTRICTED
XCR(92)11
PUBLICITY
28
If Members approve the Law Society's Reports in principle and agree that they should be implemented, the Chinese side will be briefed. Thereafter, a press release will be issued to explain the Administration's position on the Reports. A spokesman will be available to handle enquiries, and a Legislative Council brief will issue.
China Angle
29
The Chinese have taken a close interest in the foreign lawyers issue and we have kept them informed of progress since 1988. If the Law Society's Reports are accepted by Members for implementation we shall need to brief the Chinese side, through the JLG Offices, immediately thereafter and before there is any public announcement.
30
The Political Adviser and UK Rep JLG are of the opinion that the Chinese may not like the opening up of Hong Kong to foreign lawyers. However, the Political Adviser is of the opinion that this policy can be defended on the basis of the Law Society Reports and the arguments in paragraphs 15(a) and (b) above. The Political Adviser argues that the presence of foreign lawyers in Hong Kong is guaranteed by JD 70-
"On the basis of the system previously operating in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong SAR shall on its own make provision for local lawyers and lawyers from outside the Hong Kong SAR to work and practise in the Hong Kong SAR."
The Political Adviser and UK Rep JLG warn that the Chinese may insist that the previous system means pre-1984.
ATTENDANCE
Mrs R. IP
Mr G. GRIMMETT
Mr M. BLANCHFLOWER
Deputy Director (Administration)
Deputy Solicitor General
Assistant Solicitor General
23 January 1992
(AGC ADV 272/00/4C XIII)
COUNCIL CHAMBER
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