TNAG-1332-FCO40-1762-Future-of-Hong-Kong-White-Paper-on-the-Joint-Declaration-1984 — Page 211

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INTRODUCTION TO THE AGREEMENT

19. The full text of the draft agreement is included as Part Two of

this White Paper. It consists of a joint declaration including

three annexes, together with an associated exchange of memoranda on

nationality. Each part of the agreement has the same status. The

whole makes up a formal international agreement, Legally binding in

all its parts. An international agreement of this kind is the

highest possible form of commitment between sovereign states.

In

20. The Joint Declaration consists in part of linked declarations

by the British and Chinese Governments. In paragraph one the

Chinese government declare that they will resume the exercise of

sovereignty over Hong Kong on 1 July 1997. In paragraph two the

British Government declares that it will restore Hong Kong to the

Chinese Government from that date. In paragraph three the Chinese

Government sets out its policies towards Hong Kong after 1997.

paragraph 4 the two Governments jointly declare that the British

Government will remain responsible for the administration of Hong

Kong up to 1997. Paragraphs 5 and 6 deal with the Joint Liaison

Group and land. Paragraph 6 constitutes the important link between

the declarations by the two parties; together with paragraph 7 it

has the effect of making the joint declaration and the annexes to it

Legally binding in their entirety on the two governments. If the

agreement is approved by Parliament it will be signed and will enter

into force on ratification. This last step will be taken as soon as

possible after the necessary legislation has been enacted.

21. Annex one contains an elaboration of Chinese policies for the

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The annex deals in detail

with the way Hong Kong will run after 1 July 1997, and describes the

extent of the autonomy and continuity which will prevail then. It

Covers:

(a)

(b)

constitutional arrangements and government structure;

the legal system;

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