TNAG-2553-FCO40-3728-Hong-Kong-Bill-of-Rights-review-of-legislation-1992 — Page 96

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MDADAN 4851

THE BOR. WE WILL ALSO MAKE USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DELETE/AMEND OTHER PROVISIONS WHICH MIGHT ALSO BE SUBJECT TO BOR CHALLENGES AND WHICH ARE LIKELY TO SUCCEED, AND MAKE OTHER CHANGES TO MEET OPERATIONAL NEEDS. WE CONSIDER SIMILAR AMENDMENTS FOR CHAPTER 145 PROVIDING FOR CONTROLS OVER HEROIN PRECURSORS ARE ALSO REQUIRED.

5.

ALTHOUGH THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE UNLIKELY IN THEMSELVES TO BE OBJECTIONABLE TO THE CHINESE, THEY MIGHT MAKE USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO REITERATE THEIR CONCERN ABOUT THE BOR. HOWEVER, AS THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE MADE IN CONSEQUENCE OF COURT DECISIONS AND DO NOT TOUCH ON SUBJECTS SENSITIVE TO THE CHINESE, WE DO NOT INTEND TO INFORM THEM BEFORE THE AMENDMENT BILLS ARE

INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. IF THE CHINESE ASK ABOUT THE AMENDMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME PUBLIC, WE SHALL BRIEF THEM FULLY. UK REP JLG HAS BEEN CONSULTED.

WE INTEND TO SUBMIT THE AMENDMENT BILLS TO EXCO ON 28 JANUARY AND LEGCO IN FEBRUARY. GRATEFUL FOR YOUR VIEWS ON PARA 5 DESKBY 21003OZ (O830 HK TIME ON 21 JANUARY).

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.HONG KONG AGREEMENT

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MS BROOKS

LEGAL ADVISERS

SIR P CRADOCK NO.10

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