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On January 7, 1979 demonstrators assembled in Kowloon with the intention of proceeding to Flagstaff House. Prior to boarding buses in Kowloon, police warned the demonstrators that their action would be illegal. This warning was not beeded and the buses were boarded. On emerging from the Cross-Earbour tunnel, the buses were stopped by the police, and those on board were again warned that their intended action would break the law. The demonstrators were asked to disperse peacefully. They refused and the police escorted the buses to central police station and charged those on board with unlawful assembly under section 18 of the Public Order Orfinance.
On January 8, 1979 seventy-six persons so charged appeared in court. No evidence was offered in respect of ten who were juveniles. The other sixty-six are to re-appear in court on February 12, 1979. The case remains subjudice in Hong Kong.
I should perhaps hadd that in the crowded conditions of Hong Kong we have had to confine demonstrations or public meetings to places where they can reasonably be held. Such meetings require a licence which is not difficult to obtain and they take place from time to time. This procedure is well understood. There is no objection to or difficulty in presenting a petition.
When I hear the outcome of the case on 12 February I shall let you know about it. The case is not, of course, abcut the merits of the boat squatters case for housing but about whether their assembly was lawful or not.
(D.C. Bray), COMMISSIONER
James Johnson, Esq., M.P..
House of Commons,
London, SW1A OAA.
PCB/SVS
30 January, 1979
Page 165Page 166
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