TNAG-1688-FCO40-2338-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 199

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Our ref: IA 3.3/87/01.

Nibeba PA 301/

Saz Ovinex

"A'

c/o Current Affairs Secretary,

Hong Kong University Students Union,

RECEIVED

Pokfulam Road,

- GAPR 1987

Hong Kong.

usTh 25th March, 1987.

tion laven

Dear Sir Geoffery Howe,

mek

714

With regard to the enactment of the Public Order (Amendment)

Ordinance 1987 (regarding a new section 27 of the Public Order Ordinance).

by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong on 11th of March, 1987., che undersigned have proclaimed a 'Declaration' and have collected 4485

signatures in support of the 'Declaration' among the students in the

University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Shue Yan College and the Hong Kong

Technical Teachers' College.

The following is a translation of the original text of the

'Declaration' written in the Chinese Language :

Regarding the passing of the Public Order (Amendment)

Ordinance in the Legislative Council on 11th March,

and, in particular, the provision regarding 'false

news' we hold the following opinions :

$

1. We were shocked by and deeply regretted the fact

that the Legislative Council hastily passed the

second and third readings of the bill despite

widespread opposition on the part of the public.

2. We doubt whether Hong Kong Government officials

and a significant number of the honourable

members of the Legislative Council pay any respect

to public opinion.

3. In our opinion, it is very probable that the amended

ordinance will be abused and used to suppress

freedom of speech.

4. Being students who possess social conscience, we

will presevere in defending the freedom of speech.

We sincerely hope you would show your concerm on the subject

and probe into it as it involves two of the most important issues in Hong

Kong, namely,

1. the preservation of freedom of speech as a fundamental element of our

way of life.

ii. the failure of the present system of the Legislative Council to represent

the views and wishes of the people of Hong Kong.