TNAG-1327-FCO40-1740-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Ministerial-statements-1984 — Page 12

CONFIDENTIAL

(E) JOINT LIAISON GROUP

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 Fr.end 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 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.

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.

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