held in July 1985; in all there have been twelve so far. The next
is due to take place in Peking from 14-17 March 1989. Plenary
meetings have been supplemented by meetings of a standing sub-group
on international rights and obligations, and by meetings of experts to consider particular agenda items, held as necessary.
22.
Annex II further provides that, from 1 July 1988, the JLG shall
have its principal base in Hong Kong. In accordance with that
provision, the two sides established offices in Hong Kong on that
date. All the Chinese members of the JLG (except for one, who is
resident in London), together with supporting staff, are now based
in Hong Kong. The British Senior Representative at present remains
based in London, travelling to Hong Kong as necessary. The British
side of the JLG depends heavily on co-operation with the Hong Kong
Government, which maintains a separate branch of the Government
Secretariat (the General Duties Branch) to deal with JLG and other
future-related business. This relationship with the Hong Kong
Government is particularly important because it helps to ensure that Hong Kong concerns are taken fully into account in the implementation of the Joint Declaration.
23.
Annex B to this memorandum contains a list of agreements so far
reached by the JLG. They cover among other things Hong Kong's new status as a separate contracting party to the GATT, Hong Kong's continued participation in a long list of international organisations; transitional arrangements for the different types of travel and identity documents used by Hong Kong people; the establishment of Hong Kong's own air services agreements, separate from those of the UK; the expansion of the Police Force to resume anti-illegal immigration duties currently undertaken by the British forces; and a wide variety of legal matters, including the localisation in Hong Kong of UK legislation which applies to Hong Kong. These agreements are the fruit of detailed and complex discussions. Taken together, they represent an impressive achievement, reflecting the determination of the two Governments to implement the provisions of the Joint Declaration fully and effectively. But there is still much to be done.
24.
A second body set up under the Joint Declaration is the