Mr. Carter
with 1185
Reference...
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A reply is required to the attached letter from Mr. Orbach, MP, to the Secretary of State.
2.
The result of the incident of which Mr. Orbach complains in his first paragraph was an article which appeared in the "Star" on the after- noon of the 28th January. To my mind, the most interesting thing about the article is its juxta- position to the article headed "Anti-Grey UK Campaign". Both articles mention the Parliamentary Question asked by Mr. Orbach on the 27th January about the gaoling of schoolgirls at the Belilios School.
3.
The following information about the "Star" newspaper has been given to me by the Press Officer at the Hong Kong Government Office. The newspaper is an independent English language newspaper which, a year ago, had an estimated circulation of 22,000. This compares with the following circulations, estimated at the same time, of other English language newspapers in the Colony:
Hong Kong Morning Post
Hong Kong Standard
China Mail
21,170
10,500
8,500
As at October, 1968, the editor of the newspaper was Alfred Lee, reported to be a Chinese of Australian extraction, who has in the past worked for a number of Hong Kong newspapers. He has also contributed to the Sunday Express in this country. Mr. J. Somers was at the same time reported to be the newspaper's Chief Reporter. We have no reason to believe that there has been any change in the holders of these posts since last October. The newspaper appears each afternoon: it is a tabloid newspaper of the sensational type, but there is no reason to suppose that it is not a reputable one. It is believed to appeal in particular to the younger generation and it is not a favourite with older people or with business people. It is a newspaper which claims to have a source of information in China. It has been in existence for some five years.
4.
This letter from Mr. Orbach should really be considered against the background of a submission which was submitted to the Minister last week, and it is for consideration whether any reply should be sent to Mr. Orbach until Ministers have had an opportunity of considering that submission. However, I attach a draft reply for consideration.
4 February, 1969
Mr. Mayton Mr. Godden
St is
a
lith
5
(A. W. Gaminara) Hong Kong Department
agree with
unsympathetic
the proposed reply. but 5 suggest
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