CONFIDENTIAL
Stationing of PLA in Hong Kong after 1997?
12.
Clear the PRC will be responsible for SAR's defence. Whether troops be stationed there will be a matter for the Central People's Government. Agreement makes clear that public order will be
responsibility of the SAR Government and that troops stationed in JAR for the purpose of defence will not interfere in its internal
affairs.
Bill of rights
13. Agreement provides explicitly for maintenance by the SAR of rights and freedoms previously in force in Hong Kong and for them to be protected by law. Also stipulates that provisions of relevant International Covenants as applied to Hong Kong will remain in force. All this to be enshrined in Basic Law and remain unchanged for 50 years.
Annual Debate
14.
Government has agreed in another place to
annual report on This report will be laid before Parliament. Whether the report is debated will have to be pursued through the usual channels
Hong Kong.
at the time.
[IF PRESSED]
This report will not specifically be on the activities of the Joint Liaison Group. Annex II of the agreement states that the proceedings of the Group will remain confidential unless otherwise
agreed between the two sides.
Compensation Arrangements for HMOCS
15.
Agreement on future of Hong Kong provides satisfactorily for continuity of service by serving officers in the public service in Hong Kong, on terms and conditions, including pay and pensions, no less favourable than 30 June 1997. These provisions apply to members of Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service (HMOCS) serving in
Hong Kong as well as to other civil servants. Resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China raises similar issues in respect of HMOCS as independence has in other dependent territories. Not possible, however, to define now, 12 and
a half years in advance of constitutional change, all the
CONFIDENTIAL
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