ch, although not unique in colonial post war history, is unusual. Even if it is counted from the adoption of the Basic Law in 1990, rather than the ratification of the Joint Declaration in 1986, a period of seven years is extremely long for a transitional period adding severe burdens of its own on the Hong Kong Administration in seeking both to cope with day to day administration and the preparation for constitutional change with the representatives of the successor regime taking a close interest in how matters develope. The absence of a local successor also adds a complication, for instead of the present Hong Kong Administration being in a position to deal with those who will stand in its shoes in 1997, and who would, therefore, have a direct self interest in the standing and high degree of autonomy of the future SAR it must deal on succession matters with the PRC itself
A local successor in
f[74].
the form of a Chief Executive elect will not emerge until 1986 at the earliest, by which time much of the transitional arrangements may well have been made.
52. Certain transitional provisions are made in the Basic Law itself or in one of the accompanying resolutions of the NPC. As has been mentioned above, the members of the last colonial legislature may become the members of the first SAR legislature. Provision is made for the continuance in office of public servants and judges, subject, in the case of the most senior, to their satisfying nationality, right of abode and residence criteria. Article 160 makes
provision for the continuance of laws, rights and obligations and the Chinese have established a committee to examine the existing laws; any which are found to be "in contravention" of the Basic Law will not survive.
53. Not only legislative provision is involved in an efficient transfer. An Annex to the Joint Declaration establishes a Joint Liaison Group of the British and Chinese Gvernments to consult on the implementation of the Joint
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