94095
Extract from
from Hansard
27/7/49
HONG KONG (COMMUNIST
PUBLICATIONS)
38. Mr. Gammans asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why permission is given to Communists in Hong Kong to continue the publication of newspapers and pamphlets in view of the closing by the Communist authorities in Shanghai of the British Information Service.
Mr. Rees-Williams: It has been the consistent policy of the Hong Kong Gov- ernment to permit freedom of the Press and of publication to all shades of opinion provided activities contrary to the law or prejudicial to public security in Hong Kong are not indulged in. In general,
2477
Oral Answers
27 JUL
these limits have not been overstepped. The restrictive tendencies of the Com- munist administration in China in re- lation to the freedom of news and infor- mation services are, however, naturally being closely watched both by His Majesty's Government and by the Gov- ernment of Hong Kong.
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Mr. Gammans: Does the hon. Gentle- man feel that he can continue that atti- tude when the Chinese Communist Gov- ernment do not allow the opposite to operate in Shanghai and, secondly, when it will probably be only a matter of months before the Chinese Communist forces will be investing Hong Kong?
Mr. Rees-Williams: I think the last part of the supplementary question is a very foolish statement. I would also draw the attention of the hon. Member to the fact that both Reuters and the "North China Daily News" are still functioning in China.
Mr. Gammans: Will the hon. Gentle- man say why my statement was foolish when the Chinese Communist Govern- ment have made it perfectly clear what are their intentions to the West and when it is obvious that before long they will be controlling the whole of South China? Where does the foolishness come in?
Mr. Rees-Williams: Because, as far as I am aware, the Communist Govern- ment have never stated that they are going to invest Hong Kong.
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Mr. Gallacher: Is it not true that nothing but good reports have come from the liberated areas and that the leaders of the liberating forces are anxious to have an understanding with the repre- sentatives of His Majesty's Government?
Mr. Harold Davies: Is my hon. Friend aware that if we follow a vigorous Labour policy in the Colonies that will be much more constructive than a negative policy of witch hunting every little Communist paper which may be published in the Colonies?
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