1987-07-09 09:21 COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE)
852 5 845 0995 P.03
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principles is a difficult one to make, This problem
is reflected in the differing views of Members on how
much weight should be given to the factors involved.
I hope that what I have to say may help other Members
come to a decision which is in the best interest of
the community as a whole.
When considering the need for the
censorship of films the Administration starts from
the position that we should maintain freedom of
expression as far as possible and that any exception
to that principle must be proven to be for the
overall benefit of the people of Hong Kong.
If any
restriction is to be imposed, it must be the minimum
necessary to safeguard the common good.
irst
Let me first address the question therefore
as to whether there is a need to have any form of
political censorship in Hong Kong. As my friend the
Attorney General has pointed out that Hong Kong, in
common with most other territories, has a national
desire to live peaceably with its neighbours and to
diminish the scope for any hostilities or
International recriminations. Furthermore we have
taken the view that because Hong Kong's whole economy
and the livelihood of its people is uniquely
dependent upon its ability to trade, our relations
with our trading partners must not be put at risk.