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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION
arrangements relating to the resumption of border patrol responsibilities by the Hong Kong Police Force from the British Garrison. Information was exchanged on a wide range of practical matters. Such exchanges of information are important for developing under- standing between the two sides and will continue so as to ensure that there is a smooth transfer of defence responsibilities from Britain to China in 1997.
Travel and Identity Documents
In 1986 and 1987 the JLG considered and agreed on transitional arrangements for a wide range of travel and identity documents. The only Hong Kong travel documents remaining to be considered in this context were the Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Books and Seaman's Certificates of Nationality and Identity. These documents issued under Inter- national Labour Convention No. 108 are important for facilitating travel by those in seagoing employment. Following discussion at the ninth and tenth meetings of the JLG, transitional arrangements for these documents were agreed, thus marking the completion of the JLG's consideration of transitional arrangements for all existing Hong Kong travel and identity documents.
Terms of Service for the Judiciary
At the tenth meeting of the JLG, the two sides reached full agreement on revised terms of service for the Judiciary which will have important implications lasting beyond 1997. A major aim of the revised terms is to attract more local lawyers to join the Judiciary.
Court of Final Appeal
The Joint Declaration provides for the establishment of a court of final appeal in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. During 1988, the two sides began discussion of the establishment of such a court in Hong Kong before 1997.
Surrender of Fugitive Offenders
At the eleventh meeting of the JLG the two sides reached agreement on the basic principles for the future arrangements for the surrender of fugitive offenders between Hong Kong and foreign jurisdictions. Under the agreement, Hong Kong will be authorised to negotiate, conclude, and maintain after 1997 its own agreements with foreign jurisdictions.
Localisation of Laws
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There is a large number of United Kingdom enactments which currently apply to Hong Kong. These United Kingdom enactments will cease to have legal effect in Hong Kong after 1997. It will, therefore, be necessary to 'localise' them before 1997, that is, to replace them by legislation enacted in Hong Kong which will survive 1997. At the eighth meeting of the JLG held in November 1987, the two sides agreed on the general principles relat- ing to the localisation of United Kingdom enactments. Agreement was subsequently reached at the tenth meeting of the JLG on the localisation of United Kingdom enact- ments relating to Admiralty jurisdiction in respect of civil proceedings. The Supreme Court (Amendment) Bill, which is the first piece of localised legislation, will be introduced into the Legislative Council in January 1989.
Air Service Agreements
Negotiations on Hong Kong Air Service Agreements (ASAs) continued throughout the year. ASAs were signed with Switzerland and with Canada on January 26, 1988 and June