TNAG-1326-FCO40-1738-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 112

(E) JOINT LIAISON GROUP

CONFIDENTIAL

14. A number of hon Members have asked about the work of the Joint

Liaison Group. There is little that I can add to what my rt hon and

learned Friend has said. We attach great importance to the Group as

a forum for consultation with the Chinese Government over the

implementation of the agreement. The detailed procedures will be

worked out at a later stage, although the

later stage, although the framework for its

activities is already set out in Annex II to the Joint Declaration.

I would expect the UK side of the Joint Liaison Group to include appropriate Hong Kong Government officials.

[IF PRESSON PARTICIPATION OF HONG KONG "PEOPLE"]

The group will be an organ of diplomatic discussion between the two Governments. It is not likely that there could be participation by

non-officials in the Group.

15. I have noted fears expressed in the House that the Joint Liaison Group could interfere in the administration of Hong Kong. The agreement makes it absolutely clear that the Joint Liaison Group will not have an executive role, and will confine its activities to

liaison. The British Government will maintain its responsibility

for the administration of Hong Kong right up to 1 July 1997 as the

agreement provides.

CONFIDENTIAT