COYAHB
HKB 011/3
FILE
6
NOTE FOR THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE:
HONG KONG
The Future of Hong Kong: the roles of the British and Chinese
Governments
1.
The
The arrangements for China's resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong from 1 July 1997 are set out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong. The Joint Declaration, a legally binding international agreement between the British and Chinese Governments, was initialled on 26 September 1984. people of Hong Kong were subsequently consulted on the terms of the draft agreement and an independent Assessment Office reported to HMG and to Parliament that most of the people of Hong Kong found it acceptable. In December 1984 both Houses of Parliament debated the draft agreement in the light of the views expressed by the people of Hong Kong and passed motions approving HMG's intention to sign it.
2.
The Joint Declaration was signed by the British and Chinese The Hong Kong Act Prime Ministers in Peking on 19 December 1984. 1985, which was passed on 4 April 1985, enabled the UK to ratify the Joint Declaration. Ratification took place on 27 May 1985 and the Joint Declaration entered into force on the same day. treaties it has been registered in accordance with the requirements contained in the Charter of the United Nations.
Like other
3.
The Joint Declaration provides that up to 30 June 1997 the British Government will be responsible for the administration of Hong Kong with the object of maintaining and preserving its economic
and that the Chinese Government prosperity and social stability; will give its co-operation in this connection.
4.
The Sino-British
The Joint Declaration established two intergovernmental organs in connection with its implementation. Joint Liaison Group has as its functions:
/i) to
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