[GSIASJ]KY 30/1 CONFIDENTIAL
39.
RECEIVED IN KEGISTRY
14 FEB 1986
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FROM:
A C Galsworthy
DATE: 11 February 1986
Dr Wilson
PS/Mr Repton Hingste
CC: Sir W Harding
Mr Masefield, FED
た
HONG KONG:
CONTROL
OF
PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION
ORDINANCE
Problem
Α
1.
They
Hong Kong have been considering whether to repeal
the Control of Publications Consolidation Ordinance.
have asked for our views. How should we reply?
1
B
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that we
should agree to Hong Kong
proceeding with the repeal of the Ordinance. I submit a
draft telegram.
Background
3.
The Control of Publications Consolidation Ordinance
(Chapter 268 of the Laws of Hong Kong) was enacted in 1951
and was intended to meet the threat in Hong Kong of a
flood of propaganda from China following the Communist
Revolution.
The Ordinance provides the Hong Kong
Government with sweeping powers to suppress journals that
publish material prejudicial to the security of Hong Kong.
The penalties for offences against the Ordinance, whether
by publication of "false news
likely to alarm public
opinion or disturb public order", by supporting any group
which has been declared prejudicial to the security
Hong Kong by the Governor in Council,
the Governor in Council, or by non-compliance
with a Government order to cease publication, are severe:
on summary conviction a fine of HK$2000 and imprisonment
for one year, and on conviction on
indictment a fine of
HK$10000 and imprisonment for 3 years.
of
CONFIDENTIAL
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