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With respect to these two important objectives, it appears to me that the proposed legislation is quite useful. I would point out, however, that if this legislation moves forward, it is absolutely essential that it remain clear (as it now appears to be) that the legislation is intended to express American support for the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law and that the rights and obligations of Great Britain (before July 1, 1997) and China (thereafter) are not being questioned. Anything that blurs this fundamental point in the mind of Beijing will be counterproductive for Hong Kong, feeding the concerns in the PRC that could only work to the disadvantage of the Territory.
Indeed, it is precisely on this point that many Hong Konger's expressed concern to se during my March visit there; they fear that the "loving embrace" of the United States night kill them. In drafting this legislation, subtlety and sensitivity are required. If legislation that is well-crafted at the outset of the legislative process becomes a "Christmas tree" upon which are hung the ornaments of legitimate frustration with China's policies in the human rights, trade, and technology transfer domains, we will mightily contribute to insecurity in Tong Kong.
The "Reporting ProvisionsTM (Title III) in the proposed legislation (8. 1731) are an area that requires considerable thought. I have a number of concerns in this regard:
First, there is a question about what is to be reviewed. The proposed legislation calls for an annual "report on the
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Private notes are available after approval.