specifically provided that, up to 30th June 1997, "the Government
of the United Kingdom will be responsible for the administration
of Hong Kong with the object of maintaining and preserving its
economic prosperity and social stability ..."
The Agreement also provided that the Joint Liaison
Group, during the first half of the transition period, would
consider Hong Kong's participation in international bodies and
act to ensure the continued application of international rights
and obligations affecting Hong Kong.
During the second half of the transition period, the
Joint Liaison Group would discuss procedures to be adopted for
ensuring a smooth transition in 1997. That is, it would not be
until 1991 that officials of the two countries in the Joint
Liaison Group would even discuss such matters as political
reforms.
Mr.
Luce assured Parliament on 21st January 1985 the
British had full authority to carry out plans for democratisation
thus: "It is firmly agreed that the British Government will be
responsible for the administration of Hong Kong until 1st July
That includes responsibility for constitutional
development." Moreover, Mr. Luce asserted, the Joint Liaison
Group "will have no overseeing role."
1997.
And in Hong Kong, the then Chief Secretary, Sir David
Akers-Jones declared in an interview with the Far Eastern
Economic Review: "The Chinese Government has made it clear it is
our responsibility to run Hong Kong in the next 12 years.
David said
Therefore we don't have to
consult
them."
Sir
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