TNAG-2594-FCO40-3782-Appointment-of-Chris-Patten-as-new-Governor-of-Hong-Kong--Ap-1992 — Page 11

IV

HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES/COURT OF FINAL APPEAL

INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF JURISTS (ICJ)

REPORT/HUMAN RIGHTS

We will of course be studying the report carefully.

But we believe the Joint Declaration remains the best

basis for maintaining the freedom, stability and prosperity

of the people of Hong Kong.

We and the Hong Kong Government have taken measures to

strengthen human rights in Hong Kong. For example, the two

International Covenants on social and political rights are

implemented in Hong Kong through the Bill of Rights, which

was introduced last year.

- The Basic Law (Article 39) also provides that these two

convenants will continue to apply in Hong Kong after 1997.

COURT OF FINAL APPEAL (CFA)

- In our view agreement reached with the Chinese on

establishment of CFA is not inconsistent with the Joint

Declaration.

The Hong Kong Government are now pressing ahead with drawing up draft legislation. When this is ready Legislative Council and people of Hong Kong will have a

fuller basis on which to assess the merits of the agreement.

SISADR/7