TNAG-1690-FCO40-2340-Hong-Kong-legislation-regarding-the-control-of-publications--1987 — Page 163

1987-07-09 09:22 COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE)

852 5 845 0995 P.04

For both these reasons we do not see why we should risk damage to Hong Kong's relations with other territories by allowing it to be used as a place

where political

films, critical of either our neighbours or of our trading partners, should be shown. I should emphasise that generally we take the decisions not to show such films on our own initiatives, based on our Judgement of the likelihood

of the film causing serious offence to other territories, Only rarely do we respond to diplomatic protests, although the fact that these have been made

over the years from countries inside and outside the region are a clear indication that exception is taken

to propoganda films being shown in Hong Kong and that there is indeed a need to protect our relations with other territories by not permitting such films to be shown here.

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I turn now to question as to what extent

the freedom of expression might be curtailed by the

retention of Regulation 3A. I believe the figures

speak for themselves. Over the past 14 years about

10,000 films have been submitted for censorship. A total of 15 films, only one or two a year, from 9

different countries have been banned.

I am sure that most members of this Council

would agree that the individual rights and freedoms