TNAG-1689-FCO40-2339-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 174

The Rt. Hon. Sir Bernard Braine, DL, MP

HUD 30/1

RECEIVED

1 MAY 1987

HOUSE OF COMMONS

REGISTRY

í Action Taken.

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5/5

LONDON SWIA 0AA

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DACK. ука YIKD for

15th April, 1987

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draft Sots

rephy by 28/4

VICPS

PS/M Renta Mr Gillmore Mr McLaren

Mr. Horsta Rossell Dixor

APS

I was surprised to learn from the enclosed Reuters' report that HMG has declined to intervene in regard to a particular provision in the new Hong Kong press law.

16/4.

I understand that the media in Hong Kong allege that this particular provision will stiffle criticism of the Colony's Government in the period running-up to the transfer to China in 1997 and that this will be a very bad precedent for what may happen after that date. Moreover, is it not most unfortunate that this interference with what has been described as the most free press in Asia was allowed to take place just before the arrival of the new Governor, in whom everyone his high confidence but who is clearly not going to have an easy task to ensure a smooth transition?

I would be most interested to know why HMG decided to take no action.

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The Rt. Hon. Sir Geoffrey Howe, QC, MP, Secretary of State for Foreign

and Commonwealth Affairs