CONFIDENTIAL
Argument
(a)
The arguments for not banning the film are that:
The film will be shown in the Arts Centre, a small private
cultural centre with a limited audience and its inclusion in the
programme has not so far led to any press comment.
(b) There will almost certainly be a strong adverse reaction from some elements in Hong Kong society when the ban becomes known and
this will probably be picked up by the UK and international press.
8 Against this the case for banning the film is the likely very
strong Chinese reaction to a film which has a clear Taiwanese propaganda message. It would reinforce Chinese concerns about Hong
Kong as a base for subversion.
Conclusion
!
9. The arguments are finely balanced.
We could justifiably claim
that a decision to ban the film is a matter for the Hong Kong
Government and that Hong Kong must take the decisons it feels
necessary in the light of local circumstances. We could also point
out that Hong Kong has allowed several films critical of China to be
shown in the last few months,
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CONFIDENTIAL