CODE 18-77
Miss Brooks,
Legal Advisers
CONFIDENTIAL
16
нко 110/
RECEIVED IN REC
16 JUL 199!
rached
EXTENSION OF 1989 OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT TO HONG KONG
1.
CIAL
Hong Kong Government has this afternoon sent me a second draft Order-in-Council accompanied by a covering memo which explains the amendments made to the first draft. You will see that the references to the disciplined services and "civil unrest" (section 2CD have been removed. The Act is now more in its original form. HKG has also asked for comments on the inclusion of Hong Kong permanent residents. I would be grateful for your advice.
2.
HKG is, as you know, keen to expedite this. I have already informed Security Branch that because of the short notice given, we may not be able to meet the Privy Council deadline of 18 July. This has caused some concern and after the event would result in some difficulties for HKG. However, if we cannot avoid this I would like to telegraph Hong Kong explaining why and setting out the likely new timetable. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. (Incidentally, I agree with you writing to the AG if you think this is likely to be helpful in future).
5 July 1991
WINALH
Gill Coglin
G Coglin
Hong Kong Department