1
BACKGROUND
1.
The Hong Kong Act enabling the UK to ratify the
agreement received the Royal Assent on 4 April. It
provides for the termination of British sovereignty and
jurisdiction over Hong Kong as from 1 July 1997,
subsequent Orders in council to amend British Nationality
Law and to adapt other laws affecting Hong Kong, and
privileges and immunities for Chinese members of the
Joint Liaison Group. We expect to be able to exchange
instruments of ratification with the Chinese in Peking
well before 30 June 1985.
2. A Joint Liaison Group will be established on the
entry into force of the agreement to continue liaison,
consultation and the exchange of information between the
British and Chinese sides until the year 2000 with a view
to the implementation of the Joint Declaration.
We are
discussing the details of the establishment of the Group
with the Chinese. We should limit ourselves, in response
to questions, to stating that its composition will be
announced in due course. A Land Commission made up of
British and Chinese officials will also be established in
Hong Kong after the entry into force of the agreement.
It will conduct consultations on the implementation of