BUSABO (2)
which was to have taken place in London on 18-21 July, was postponed
as one of the measures announced by Sir Geoffrey Howe following the
Tiananmen Square massacre. It took place, following a proposal by
the British side, on 27-29 September in London. The latest meeting of the JLG took place in Hong Kong between 5-8 December. The Group had a frank and in-depth exchange of views on a number of issues relating to the situation in Hong Kong. Subjects discussed included the localisation of laws and international rights and obligations,
and a common view was reached on certain matters related to the localisation of merchant shipping legislation. The next JLG meeting is scheduled to take place in Peking in April.
Current Mood in Hong Kong
Confidence in Hong Kong was severely shaken by the events in China in early June The stock market dropped by over 30% and property transactions all but ceased. However no institutions collapsed and
the market is now recovering well.
The British Government is doing all it possibly can to restore confidence, building on the foundation of the Joint Declaration. A Bill of Rights for Hong Kong, entrenching essential freedoms, will be introduced as soon as possible. The programme for democratisation is being carefully reviewed, with the aim of ensuring that the pace of development is in line with the wishes of the people of Hong Kong. Britain will also be using every channel open to it to make an effective input into the Basic Law drafting process. The British Government have made clear to the Chinese Government that it is above all for them to demonstrate through their actions their commitment to the Joint Declaration and thereby to begin to regain the trust of the people of Hong Kong.
Nationality
Following the events of 3/4 June, anxiety in Hong Kong about the future was manifested in renewed demands on the part of Hong Kong people for the right of abode in the UK. There are currently about 3.28 million residents (out of a total population of about 5.7 million) who enjoy the status of British Dependent Territories