TNAG-2487-FCO40-3618-Future-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-1992 — Page 214

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#KC 000/1

Mr Cornish

News Department

см

fared to HK.

R+R.

24/4.

FROM: P F Ricketts

Hong Kong Department

DATE: 29 April 1992

cc: Private Secretary

PS/Mr Goodlad

PS/Mr Patten

Sir J Coles

Mr Burns

INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS REPORT

-

1. I propose that you take the following line if asked about this report:

We have not yet received a full copy of the ICJ report, and will study it carefully when we have it;

- The Joint Declaration remains the best basis for maintaining the freedom, stability and prosperity of the

people of Hong Kong;

There was a full and careful consultation process with the people of Hong Kong before the Joint Declaration was signed. For example, an independent assessment office was established. Their report demonstrated that the

overwhelming majority of Hong Kong opinion supported the

Joint Declaration;

We and the Hong Kong Government have taken measures to strengthen human rights in Hong Kong. For example, the two International Convenants on social and political rights are implemented in Hong Kong though the Bill of Rights which was

passed last year.

The Basic Law (Article 39) also provides that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) will continue to apply in Hong Kong after 1997.

-

On right of abode for 3 million British nationals in Hong

RB2ACB/1

JRB

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