SECRET
This
following the transfer of sovereignty will need to be secured. will require consultation with third countries and there is every reason to suppose that their co-operation will be forthcoming. Where such agreements are between states, it will clearly be necessary for the Government of the People's Republic to authorise continued participation. Where Hong Kong has been a member of regional or international organisations and conferences whose participation is not limited to states, Hong Kong will be able to continue to participate without difficulty.
4.
The annex provides for continuity of representation by all foreign states and organisations currently represented in Hong Kong, except tht changes to the status of such missions may be required in order to take account of the existence or otherwise of formal relations between the People's Republic of China and the country in question.
(L) DEFENCE, SECURITY AND PUBLIC ORDER
1.
This section of the annex makes clear that external defence will be the responsibility of the Chinese Government, while the maintenance of public order inside the SAR is the responsibility of
SAR Government.
(M) RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
1.
Basic human rights and personal freedoms in the SAR will be protected by this part of the annex. The Agreement covers this important subject without an extended description of the rights and freedoms concerned by providing:
(a)
(b)
that the rights and freedoms previously enjoyed under the laws of Hong Kong shall be maintained by the SAR Government; and
that the provisions of the international covenants on civil and political rights and on economic, social and cultural rights, as they apply to Hong Kong, shall continue to apply to the SAR.
SECRET