tt
VI
JVL
UTV
those
of
The issues on which we do consult the Chinese are
that concern the implementation
the Joint
Declaration and those areas which will be affected by the
change of sovereignty in 1997. This is done in the Joint Liaison Group which, as its terms of reference make clear, plays no part in the administration of Hong Kong and has no
supervisory role over the administration.
I think It is also worth saying at this point that the Joint Liaison Group is a dialogue of equals, in which
the two sides often come to a subject with different
starting positions and, by process of consultation -
sometimes easy, sometimes arduous - reach a solution acceptable to both. The British team has always based its
position firmly on the needs and interests of Hong Kong and
has always been able to satisfy them. Neither the work of
the Joint Liaison Group nor our relationship with Ching
generally has resulted in any lessening of the degree of autonomy which Hong Kong has enjoyed for many years.
So much for the relationship with China. It is
also part of this administration's duty, during the
transition period, to continue to provide the framework and
the support for the economy which gives real and tangible
expression to the freedoms which Hong Kong people enjoy,
an d whose continuance is provided for in the Joint
Declaration. The very real achievements mode in this area