TNAG-1688-FCO40-2338-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 215

(g)

CAMDENTTAL

entirely or delete portions of films on political grounds although this was not one of the criteria specified in Clause 9. This had occurred in relation to only 19 out of some 8,000 films during the past 12 years and it was feared that, as 1997 approached, Taiwanese filmakers in particular might produce movies which, if exhibited in Hong Kong, could cause apprehension, economic upset or even civil

unrest.

The Office of the Political Adviser particularly was concerned to ensure that the Government retained the right to ban or cut films of a politically sensitive

nature.

Whilst the present film censorship system permitted political censorship, indeed the censorship of any film considered undesirable by the Government, the scheme to be introduced by the Bill would require the censor to 'categorise' his objections to the film. This could exacerbate a future controversy over a decision to ban a particular film and make the censors decisions more susceptible to judicial review. Conversely, a detailed public debate of the merits of a particular movie could do much to diffuse a film's

potential to cause damage.

CONFIDENTIAL

/...10