TNAG-2858-FCO40-4112-Public-holidays-in-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 18

CONFIDENTIAL

CHINA DIMENSION

-

12

機密

25.

put

to

The

proposals set out in paragraphs 14-15 will be

to the Chinese side through the JLG. We have no reason

think that the Chinese side will oppose the changes. It is possible though that they will propose instituting other public holidays

1 May for Labour Day or i

for

example

July to celebrate the transfer of sovereignty

to the PRC National

have 50

consider

holidays.

existing

-

in addition

Day holidays. In this case we would

implementing these as replacements for

Should the Chinese side insist on a

strict application in the HKSAR of the Resolution on the

We

application of the Resolution

National Day, we would have to argue our case strongly.

would arque that a strict

would result in radical change : most importantly it would mean a dramatic decrease in the number of public holidays in Hong Kong. This would be received badly and would run provisions in the Joint Declaration concerning

counter

the continuation of Hong Kong's lifestyle.

PUBLIC REACTION

26.

If

implemented, the

replacement of two holidays

specific

to the United Kingdom by the National Day holidays

un 1 and 2 October would be seen as an inevitable part of

the

transition.

unions if 1 May

Criticism may be expected from trade

is not declared as a holiday before July

機密

CONFIDENTIAL ##