+
}
Our ref: IA 3.3/87/01.
Nibeba PA 301/
Saz Ovinex
"A'
c/o Current Affairs Secretary,
Hong Kong University Students Union,
RECEIVED
Pokfulam Road,
- GAPR 1987
Hong Kong.
usTh 25th March, 1987.
tion laven
Dear Sir Geoffery Howe,
mek
714
With regard to the enactment of the Public Order (Amendment)
Ordinance 1987 (regarding a new section 27 of the Public Order Ordinance).
by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong on 11th of March, 1987., che undersigned have proclaimed a 'Declaration' and have collected 4485
signatures in support of the 'Declaration' among the students in the
University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Shue Yan College and the Hong Kong
Technical Teachers' College.
The following is a translation of the original text of the
'Declaration' written in the Chinese Language :
Regarding the passing of the Public Order (Amendment)
Ordinance in the Legislative Council on 11th March,
and, in particular, the provision regarding 'false
news' we hold the following opinions :
$
1. We were shocked by and deeply regretted the fact
that the Legislative Council hastily passed the
second and third readings of the bill despite
widespread opposition on the part of the public.
2. We doubt whether Hong Kong Government officials
and a significant number of the honourable
members of the Legislative Council pay any respect
to public opinion.
3. In our opinion, it is very probable that the amended
ordinance will be abused and used to suppress
freedom of speech.
4. Being students who possess social conscience, we
will presevere in defending the freedom of speech.
We sincerely hope you would show your concerm on the subject
and probe into it as it involves two of the most important issues in Hong
Kong, namely,
1. the preservation of freedom of speech as a fundamental element of our
way of life.
ii. the failure of the present system of the Legislative Council to represent
the views and wishes of the people of Hong Kong.