Finally, you call into question the commitment of the British Government to the Joint Declaration. We are fully committed to the full and faithful implementation of the Joint Declaration, and to maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. So, we believe, are the Chinese Government. An important element of this commitment is to ensure a smooth transfer of government in 1997. It is entirely natural that the two governments should keep in close contact, both formally and informally, on matters directly related to the implementation of the Joint Declaration and other matters of common interest. It is also quite proper that such matters should be discussed in the Joint Liaison Group, as the Joint Declaration explicitly provides. These contacts in no way detract from the British Government's responsibility for the administration of Hong Kong up to 30 June 1997.
Yumemin
Glmanth
THE LORD GLENARTHUR