I aquee
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there is no reason why it should not be introduced if the
special circumstances of Hong Kong demand it. They do not
believe it to be ultra vires, though this is no guarantee that
it will not be contested if the legislation ultimately comes
into force.
9. There therefore seems no legal reason why we should not
authorise the Governor to proceed as he wishes. The only
issues on which Ministers may feel doubtful of proceeding as
the Governor wishes are moral and political:-
(a) have RTV been treated with less than justice by the
Hong Kong Government who undoubtedly did change their
policy to the prejudice of RTV's commercial operations,
though for reasons which seemed entirely valid to the
Government ?
(b) if there is any danger of strong opposition to, or
even rejection of, the Order-in-Council in Parliament are
Ministers willing to launch the operation ?
10. There is undoubtedly a Rediffusion Ltd. lobby in this
country including Lord Tangley, its Deputy Chairman, who will
oppose the Order-in-Council strongly. We are under an obliga-
tion dating back to 1968 to explain HMG's views to Rediffusion.
I recommend therefore that the best way to proceed would be as
follows:-
(a) Invite the Chairman of Rediffusion Ltd. to call to
listen to what he has to say.
(b) In the light of this conversation and
further
assessment of the likely strength of opposition to the
Order-in-Council in Parliament we shall have to decide
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/whether