TNAG-1690-FCO40-2340-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 162

1987-07-09 09:21 COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE)

852 5 845 0995 P.03

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principles is a difficult one to make, This problem

is reflected in the differing views of Members on how

much weight should be given to the factors involved.

I hope that what I have to say may help other Members

come to a decision which is in the best interest of

the community as a whole.

When considering the need for the

censorship of films the Administration starts from

the position that we should maintain freedom of

expression as far as possible and that any exception

to that principle must be proven to be for the

overall benefit of the people of Hong Kong.

If any

restriction is to be imposed, it must be the minimum

necessary to safeguard the common good.

irst

Let me first address the question therefore

as to whether there is a need to have any form of

political censorship in Hong Kong. As my friend the

Attorney General has pointed out that Hong Kong, in

common with most other territories, has a national

desire to live peaceably with its neighbours and to

diminish the scope for any hostilities or

International recriminations. Furthermore we have

taken the view that because Hong Kong's whole economy

and the livelihood of its people is uniquely

dependent upon its ability to trade, our relations

with our trading partners must not be put at risk.