TNAG-1840-FCO40-2615-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 21

(a) to conduct consultations on the implementation of the Joint

Declaration;

(b) to discuss matters relating to the smooth transfer of

Government in 1997;

(c) to exchange information and conduct consultations on such

subjects as may be agreed by the two sides.

19.

Annex II also lays down in broad terms the agenda for the JLG during the period between its establishment and 1 July 1997. Matters for consideration include action to be taken by the two Governments to enable the future Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to maintain its economic relations as a separate customs territory including its participation in the GATT, action to ensure the continued application of international rights and obligations affecting Hong Kong, procedures to be adopted for a smooth transition in 1997, and action to assist the Hong Kong SAR to maintain and develop economic and cultural relations with states, regions and relevant international organisations.

20. Annex II provides that each State shall designate a Senior Representative of ambassadorial rank and four other members of the Group. The British side's Senior Representative from the establishment of the Group following the ratification of the Joint Declaration in May 1985 until January 1987 was Dr (now Sir) David Wilson, then Assistant Under-Secretary of State (Asia) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and now Governor of Hong Kong. Since February 1987 the British Senior Representative has been Mr Robin McLaren, Sir David Wilson's successor as Assistant Under-Secretary of State (Asia). Other British members of the Group have included the Head of Hong Kong Department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Counsellor at the British Embassy in

The Peking, and two members drawn from the Hong Kong Government. Chinese Senior Representative has throughout been Ambassador Ke

Zaishuo.

21.

Annex II also provides that the JLG shall meet in Peking, London and Hong Kong, and shall hold at least one meeting in each of the three locations in each year. The first Plenary meeting was