TNAG-2858-FCO40-4112-Public-holidays-in-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 12

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6

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the

"Resolution on the

Republic of China."

National

Day Of the People's

(A copy of this resolution is at

Annex C.) The resolution also has an attachment which lays

down designated

categorised into

certain sections

minorities.

holidays in the PRC, these being

general

holidays, holidays applicable to

of the population and holidays for racial The attachment includes a number of nolidays

that would not be appropriate for Hong Kong, such as

holidays for national

existing

has been

minorities, and excludes several

holidays, e.g. Easter and Christmas. Legal advice

sought as to whether the attachment, which was endorsed separately by a different body at a different date

Ecom

as

the Resolution on the National Day, should be regarded

an integral part of that

received is

not definitive,

resolution,

The advice

but indicates that the

attachment may possibly form part of the resolution. The ultimate interpretation rests with the Chinese Government.

13.

To

interpret the

attachment as being applicable

under Annex III of the Basic Law would mean that the number

of holidays in Hong Kong would decrease dramatically after

June

30

1997.

This would not be well received by the

general public, and would be seen as running contrary to

the spirit of provisions in the Joint Declaration on the continuation of Hong Kong's existing lifestyle.

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