CONFIDENTIAL
What we are being asked by the Governor
to do is:-
6.
(in Parliament here
(a)o introduce an Order-in-Council
permitting the extension of the U.K.
copyright Act, 1956, to Hong Kong.
Of itself this should be simple and
purposes non-contentious but the basis of the
Hong Kong Government in respect of
their own implementing legislation
there fore
are well known and through the
otherwise simple, Barliame
liamentary action
involved could well be contentious.
The Board of Trade would be responsible
for piloting the Order in Council
through Parliament.
(b) to approve the implementing
Hong Kong Bill including the
contentious Clause 4(2) and to
authorise its introduction into
the Hong Kong Legislative Council
to test public opinion and the
reaction of the two companies.
The Order in Council is subject to
lment in pursuance of a resolution of
anul me
either House of Parliament and there is
every likelihood that those who oppose
the Hong Kong Government's plan (there is
a strong
Rediffus
ediffusion lobby in this country
who have already been in touch with us)
will organise a prayer against it. It is
difficult to forecast the result.
The
Order in Council might be held up or might
be defeated.
7.
In these circumstances, and because of
the long delay which has already occurred,
recenity
we suggest we exemt to the Governor that
he should either seek again a strict direct
/settlement..
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