CONFIDENTIAL
XCX(93)5
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Such drastic action seems neither feasible nor necessary. However, in the interests of equity we believe that all new holidays should be statutory rather than general. If the proposals in paragraph 19 above are accepted, then the difference in the number of statutory and general holidays would be reduced to three, as we would be replacing three general holidays by three specified statutory holidays.
Consultation with PRC
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As regards consultation with the Chinese, we recommend the following line -
(a) to note the existing holidays and the need to change
the Queen's Birthday holidays;
(b)
(c)
(d)
to note that Annex III to the Basic Law states that the Resolution on the National Day of PRC shall be applied in the HKSAR with effect from 1 July 1997;
to propose that from 1997, 1 July and 1 October should be designated as statutory holidays to celebrate the day of the transfer of sovereignty and the National Day of the PRC respectively and that these two days should replace the existing Queen's birthday holidays; and
to propose that from 1998, 1 May should be designated as a statutory holiday to celebrate International Labour Day, and that this day should replace the existing Easter Monday holiday.
CHINA DIMENSION
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The proposals set out in paragraph 19 will be put to the Chinese side through the JLG. We have no reason to think that the Chinese side will oppose the changes. It is possible though that they may propose instituting other public holidays, for example, 2 October which is a general holiday in China according to the attachment to the Resolution, in addition to 1 May, 1 July and 1 October. In this case, we would have to consider implementing these as replacements for existing holidays. Should the Chinese side insist on a strict application in the HKSAR of the Resolution on the National Day to include the attachment, we would have to argue our
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.