MADAAT
(b)
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Although the JLG already has a good deal of solid work behind
it, much remains to be done.
I have already mentioned the separation of air services
agreements, on which discussion will continue for some years.
Discussions on defence and public order are also likely to
continue for some time. The Joint Declaration contains clear
provision for the future defence of the Hong Kong SAR and for the
maintenance of public order in the Hong Kong SAR. Essentially, the
first is the responsibility of the Central People's Government and
the second of the SAR Government. We have already reached agreement
on the expansion of the Hong Kong Police Force to assume the task of
controlling illegal immigration on the border. Discussions are now
in progress on arrangements for the defence facilities required by the Chinese garrison.
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The JLG is now examining the multilateral and bilateral treaties
presently applied to Hong Kong and seeing how they can continue to
apply beyond 1997. We have already completed discussion of most international organisations in which Hong Kong participates and will continue to participate. We shall soon begin to look at the multilateral treaties and the bilateral treaties which apply to Hong
Kong.
Negotiation of extradition agreements is another subject of
continuing discussion. We have agreed on the basic principles for
future arrangements for extradition of fugitives from Hong Kong to
foreign jurisdictions. We are continuing to discuss the details.
It is highly detailed technical and legal work.
We are also discussing what is called the localisation of UK laws currently applied to Hong Kong. This means passing Hong Kong legislation whichcan continue in force beyond 1997. The first piece of localised legislation, relating to the admiralty jurisdiction of Hong Kong, was enacted in February this year.
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