1987-09-14
COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE) 17:58
852 5 845 0995
P.09
Our love is better
'Spycatcher'
Background
Leading local English-language newspaper Sunday Morning Post successfully appealed against interim in junction on its serialisation of "Spycatcher" last month. Court of Appeal re-imposes in junction on 8 September. Paper to seek leave to appeal to Privy Council. Some comments linked case with press freedom after 1997. Questions asked whether SAR Government or China would allow independent judiciary in post-1997 HK.
Possible Areas of Interest to Media
(A) HMG's position on "Spycatcher."
Line to Take: Would not like to comment on matter which is now subject of court proceedings.
(B) The impact of case on press freedom and independent judiciary
after 1997.
Line to Take: Press freedom and independent judiciary clearly provided for in the Joint Declaration.