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Brief for the Defence and External Affairs Sub-Committee of the Select Committee on Expenditure
The internal administration of Hong Kong
and the role of the Governor
Status of Hong Kong
The Colony of Hong Kong is divided into three
parts Hong Kong Island, which was ceded in perpetuity to
Britain by the Treaty of Nanking in 1842; the Kowloon peninsula '
and Stonecutters Island, ceded by the Convention of Peking in
1860; and the New Territories (including New Kowloon) leased
to Britain in 1898 for a 99 year term.
The Governor
the Crown.
The origin of all power to govern Hong Kong is
This power is exercised by the Governor, on the
authority of the Crown conferred by Letters Patent and Royal
Instructions. These are the main constitutional instruments,
though the right of the Queen to make laws by Order in Council
for the peace, order and good government is expressly reserved
in the Letters Patent, as is power to amend, alter or revoke
the Letters Patent.
The Letters Patent, inter alia, constitute the
office of Governor and Commander-in-chief, establish zn
Executive Council and a Legislative Council and in general
terms define the power and authority of the Governor.
composition and functions of the Executive and Legislative
Councils are provided for in the Royal Instructions.
The
The Governor is the supreme authority within Hong
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