TNAG-2745-FCO40-3960-Visits-by-the-Executive-Council-of-Hong-Kong-(EXCO)-and-Legi-1993 — Page 67

LONDON VISIT OBJECTIVES

January 1993

from Christine Loh

Main Points: British obligations to Hong Kong

DEMOCRACY: Hong Kong has all the conditions necessary for full democracy. Britain must support Hong Kong people's demand for a quicker pace of political

reform.

HUMAN RIGHTS:

Urgent measures are needed before 1997 to entrench the

protection of human rights in Hong Kong;

NATIONALITY:

Full British nationality should be restored to all Hong Kong British subjects.

1.

The Sino-British Joint Declaration must be observed

The Joint Declaration, an international agreement, promised:

Hong Kong would enjoy a 'high degree of autonomy';

Hong Kong would have a 'legislature constituted by elections';

The 'rights and freedoms' of Hong Kong people would be protected by law.

Since 1984, these promises have been steadily eroded. As a co-signatory, Britain must insist upon the full implementation of the Joint Declaration.

2.

Autonomy and Democracy

B

да

The Joint Declaration promised Hong Kong people a "high degree of autonomy" which allows them to elect the legislature and the future chief executive. It is Britain's responsibility to ensure that this autonomy is not eroded.

Governor Chris Patten's constitutional changes are very modest. Even if fully implemented, they would leave only one-third of the Legislative Council elected by universal franchise in 1995.

Although very little and very late, these proposals should be supported, not as an end in themselves, but as a step in the right direction.

VISIT OBJECTIVES:

CHRISTINE LOH'S