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of particular tension. These are not easy to predict accurately but might coincide with events such as the publication of the Basic Law (First Draft 1988, Final Version 1990), with its promulgation and the period of subsequent reaction (1990 - 92) or with the final Five Year Investment Point (1992).
POLITICAL ASPECTS
INTRODUCTION
24. Plans for the future of the British Military Garrison in Hong Kong must take full account of the political interests of the 3 Governments concerned HMG, the PRCG and the HKG. The following paragraphs are based on the political assessment provided by the FCO (3) and on continuous dialogue with the Hong Kong Department of the FCO during the preparation of this
paper.
THE JOINT DECLARATION
25. The Joint Declaration of December 1984 assigns the respons- ibility for preservation of law and order both before and after
withdrawal in 1997. Confidence in its validity will exert a
significant influence on the stability of Hong Kong in the years prior to 1997. The Agreement prescribes the way ahead as
follows:
a.
Pre Withdrawal in 1997 (Article 4). "The Government of the UK and the Government of the PRC declare that, during the transitional period between the date of the entry into force of this Joint Declaration and 30 Jun 97, the Government of the United Kingdom will be responsible
Note:
3. FCO Paper "Withdrawal of the Garrison from Hong Kong: The Political Context" dated 23 December 1986.
COS S/184 (2)
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