CONFIDENTIAL
آنکھو
Mr Paul, HKD
HKB GIL 15
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
SK
25 JUN 1990
1g G
From:
Paul Fifoot
Legal Advisers
Date:
19 June 1990
it
HONG KONG: PROSECUTION: ACTION AGAINST LEADING LIBERALS
Mr Stone sought advice on two matters of law, not on the terms of a reply. I attach a copy of my minute to Mr Stone.
1.
2.
My only comment on the submission is to question the appropriateness of the last word "autonomy". Hong Kong has, as a matter of practice, a very, very high degree of self-government; but, so long as there is a British Governor who has, as a matter of law, executive power, is an essential part of the Legislature, and is subject to directions by the Secretary of State, it does not enjoy autonomy.
As regards the draft reply, I would suggest substituting for the third paragraph the following:-
3.
"However, since your correspndent refers to the relevant laws as "trivial" I should make the point that restrictions on the use of loudspeakers and the collection of money in public are prudent and reasonable measures for the protection of the public. They are in no way inconsistent with the protection of the high degree of freedom within the law which Hong Kong people enjoy."
of
Paul Fifoot
2 PFAAW
CONFIDENTIAL
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