(iv)
contd.
CONFIDENTIAL
interest, but there are also
commercial radio and TV operators. Freedom of the press is complete, as journalists working in Hong Kong have confirmed to officers in HKD. Public meetings have to be licensed and normally have to take place in specified areas set aside for the purpose.
(v) Independence of the judiciary.
The judiciary is appointed by the Governor and judges are public servants. There is no evidence, however, that the judiciary does not operate indepen- dently from the executive and there have been several instances of the judiciary acting contrary to the interests of the Government.
(vi)
Freedom of association.
There are no restrictions on the right to form trade unions and political parties, though the latter are virtually non-existent. There are some restrictions on office- holders in trade unions, which the Hong Kong Government intend to
remove, on the control of trade union funds and on the affiliation of trade unions with international organisations.
(vii) Freedom to emigrate.
There are no restrictions, except in respect of persons wanted in connection with offences against the law.
18 February 1977
JAB Stewart
,
CONFIDENTIAL
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