TNAG-1755-FCO40-2475-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1988 — Page 4

BACKGROUND NOTE

HONG KONG

HKB 040/2 HKC031/4

1650V

(150

FILE

"My Government will continue to discharge their responsibilities

towards Hong Kong and its people and will work closely with

the Chinese Government to implement the

Sino- British Joint Declaration"

The Government are fully committed to maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong with a view to a smooth transition in 1997 when Hong Kong reverts to China. The Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 provides that Hong Kong's existing capitalist system and life style will remain unchanged for 50 years and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Implementation of the Joint Declaration is proceeding smoothly through the work of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group which meets in plenary session three times per year (in Hong Kong, London and Peking). From 1 July this year it has taken Hong Kong as its principal base.

The Basic Law, which is currently being drafted, will give legal effect to the provisions of the Joint Declaration. The drafting is China's responsibility but as co-signatories of the Joint Declaration we have the right to satisfy ourselves that its provisions are fully and faithfully reflected in the Basic Law, which is due to be promulgated in 1990.

Queen's Speech:

Speech: State

Opening

1988.

Badgrand for PM's press

briefing