CONFIDENTIAL
(H) JOINT LIAISON GROUP
18. A number of noble Lords have suggested that there should
be Unofficial Hong Kong representation in the British
delegation to the Joint Liaison Group. There is little that
I can add to what my rt hon and learned Friend, the Foreign
and Commonwealth Secretary, has said in another place.
We
attach great importance to the Group as a forum for
consultation with the Chinese Government over the
implementation of the agreement. The detailed procedures of
its work will be worked out at a later stage, although the
framework for its activities is already set out in Annex II
to the Joint Declaration. I would expect the UK side of the
Joint Liaison Group to include appropriate Hong Kong Government officials. I appreciate the need to involve the people of Hong Kong in discussions that will determine their future, but the Group will be an organ of diplomatic
discussion between the two Governments. It is not likely
therefore that there could be participation by non-officials
in the Group.
I am however certain that we shall be able to
we have done in the past, of ensuring appropriate consultation in Hong Kong.
own
find ways, as
CONFIDENTIAL