CONFIDENTIAL
FUTURE OF HONG KONG: SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP
INTRODUCTION
1.
The purpose of this paper is to consider:
i) what our objectives should be, and what will be the likely Chinese objectives, in relation to the work of the Joint Liaison Group;
(ii) what pattern of participation and work would best assist us
achieve our objectives.
2. Annex II to the Joint Declaration sets our the agreed shape and functions of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group. The relevant provisions are the following:
(a)
(b)
(c)
It will be established when the agreement enters into force before 30 June 1985. It will meet in Peking, London and Hong Kong, at least once in each location each year. Until 1 July 1988 it will be entirely peripatetic: thereafter it will have its principal base in Hong Kong.
The Joint Liaison Group will have on each side a senior representative of Ambassadorial rank and four other members of the group.
Each side may send up to 20 supporting staff.
I t can set up specialist sub-groups by agreement. Experts other than the members of the Joint Liaison Group can attend meetings of the Joint Liaison Group and sub-groups. Each side may determine the composition of its own delegation. Proceedings will remain confidential.
Working procedures will be decided
by the two sides.
The functions of the Joint Liaison Group are:
(i) to conduct consultations on the implementation of the
Joint Declaration.
CONFIDENTIAL