TNAG-1687-FCO40-2337-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 220

17 '87 16:10 TIBCOOLD) HK GOVT

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In particular, I would ask Members to remember the key element in the Bill which requires proof by the prosecution that alarm is likely to be caused to the public or that public order is likely to be disturbed. A clause, I must say, that vociferous opponents of the bill have, more often than not, chosen to Ignore in

in their argument against the proposed amendment.

Most importantly, I would ask members to consider carefully the fact that this Bill was published over two months ago and was well received by the people of Hong Kong. Furthermore, only in the last ten days has the compaign waged by the media clouded the fact that this whole process started in this Council with a determined effort by the Government to repeal those repressive measures in our laws which were so contrary to all the freedoms that Hong Kong stands for.

Let US not today be diverted from the

fundamental aim of this legislation.

Sir. with these remarks. I beg that the Bill be

read the second time.

I

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