CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG: PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE
POINTS TO MAKE: SUMMING UP
1.
Grateful to you for setting out your concerns so clearly. Will naturally consider your points very carefully. Will also consider
other representations on this matter. I of course understand that questions like press freedom are important and sensitive issues in
Hong Kong.
2. But have to tell you I remain unconvinced that there is any case for action by HMG to disallow legislation passed, after extensive
consultation, by a large majority of the Legislative Council in Hong
Kong. Would be very serious step
Would go no recent precedent.
against concept of high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong after 1997,
as set out in Joint Declaration.
-
3. (If raised) Cannot for a moment accept that the appointed members of LegCo are in any sense automatic supporters of the Hong Kong Government. They are carefully chosen to represent the views of different sections of the population, and their record clearly shows that they do this most effectively.
4. (If raised) We have had no exchange of any kind with the Chinese Government about this question; nor have they expressed any view about it.
5. No urgent need for review. Hong Kong has a notably free press, and overall effect of 11 March legislation is to greatly reduce the powers of the Administration in relation to it.
I am fully confident that the freedom currently and conspicuously enjoyed by the media in Hong Kong will continue unimpaired. But as Chief Secretary said in the debate, HKG will carefully monitor the situation and review the provision in the light of experience.
sure the HKG would be ready to do this if problems arise practice, or widespread anxiety persists.
I am
in
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.