(a) to conduct consultations on the implementation of the Joint
Declaration;
(b) to discuss matters relating to the smooth transfer of
Government in 1997;
(c) to exchange information and conduct consultations on such
subjects as may be agreed by the two sides.
19. Annex II also lays down in broad terms the agenda for the JLG
during the period between its establishment and 1 July 1997.
Matters for consideration include action to be taken by the two
Governments to enable the future Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region to maintain its economic relations as a separate customs
territory including its participation in the GATT, action to ensure the continued application of international rights and obligations
affecting Hong Kong, procedures to be adopted for a smooth
transition in 1997, and action to assist the Hong Kong SAR to
maintain and develop economic and cultural relations with states,
regions and relevant international organisations.
20. Annex II provides that each State shall designate a Senior Representative of ambassadorial rank and four other members of the
Group. The British side's Senior Representative from the establishment of the Group following the ratification of the Joint Declaration in May 1985 until January 1987 was Dr (now Sir) David
Wilson, then Assistant Under-Secretary of State (Asia) at the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office and now Governor of Hong Kong.
Since February 1987 the British Senior Representative has been Mr
Robin McLaren, Sir David Wilson's successor as Assistant
Under-Secretary of State (Asia). Other British members of the Group have included the Head of Hong Kong Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Counsellor at the British Embassy in Peking, and two members drawn from the Hong Kong Government. The Chinese Senior Representative has throughout been Ambassador Ke
Zaishuo.
21. Annex II also provides that the JLG shall meet in Peking, London and Hong Kong, and shall hold at least one meeting in each of the three locations in each year. The first Plenary meeting was