Reference..
Mr. Rushford
You may wish to refer this file to Sir Arthur Grattan-Bellew who has previously dealt with it.
2•
In January of this year Hong Kong sent us a draft bill to amend their Public Order Ordinance. The bill was designed to meet various criticisms which had been levelled at the principal ordinance by "Justice". The bill went a long way towards meeting those criticisms, but after studying it we went back to Hong Kong in May with certain queries (see saving despatch at (22) When Sir Leslie Monson visited Hong Kong in October he discussed the matter with the Governor and the latter's advisers: it is clear from Sir Leslie's note at the end of the brief at 28 that Hong Kong were ready to meet all the points that we had raised.
3. We have now received the further draft bill enclosed with the Hong Kong saving despatch at (2) From a study of this bill it appears to me that Hong Kong have, in fact, virtually met us on all
at points. For ease of reference I attach t the front cover, a copy of the principal ordinance and a copy of the earlier draft bill.
4.
The only particular points to which I would invite attention are as follows:
5.
(a)
I have underlined in pencil on the revised draft bill behind (29) passages which are new. They appear to be unobjectionable.
(b) Clause 26 of the revised bill repeals and replaces section 4 of the principal ordinance. The background to this amendment is set out in on HK 14/20 attached.
(c)
Clause 28 of the revised bill provides for a consequential amendment to the City Hall Ordinance. This had previously been
A- mentioned.
Subject to your views I think that we can now tell Hong Kong that so far as we are concerned their r vised bill is acceptable. We cannot of course foretell what further points may be raised in Hong Kong by the Bar Association, the Law Society or the Hong Kong Branch of Justice, to all of whom a copy of the bill has been sent for comment.
MAG.
(A. 7. Gaminara)
21 November, 1969.
Mr. Gammare
Mr. Buckford, before he went on leave, asked
me to deal with this papers.
Jagree the reisid Bill is acceptable. 26/49 af fritter eller
ad fratton
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.