AM-HONGKONG =2 LONDON (REOPENS)
Renton said those who were concerned by the impact of the measure on Hong Kong after 1997 should be happy that the Briti government had not intervened. This meant there would be no excuse for the Chinese to intervene after 1997.
He said the proposal had been adopted in the Council after an eight-and-a-half hour debate and the Hong Kong government had said it would carefully monitor and revise the legislation in the light of experience.
Renton reminded Biddulph that Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe had told him by letter: ""In such a small and densely populated place as Hong Kong. it is nevertheless necessary to retain some power to take action against anyone publishing false news that might threaten public order.”
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When Biddulph asked why in Hong Kong, and not in London, Renton replied that the issue had never arisen in London.
Biddulph, speaking at an informal news conference after his 45-minute interview with Renton at the Foreign Office, said he felt that the law would be amended to remove anomalies technical legal grounds within the next six months.
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He said Members of Parliament of all parties had told him they were extremely unhappy that the colony's ""splendid new governor'' Sir David Wilson would take office next Thursday with this hanging over his head.
""They have to do something to avoid leaving an incredibly potent weapon in the hands of those who will be taking over Hong Kong.in 10 years' time," Biddulph said.
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