CONFIDENTIAL
the legal vires of their film censorship provisions beyond any doubt. Discussion in Hong Kong has since focussed on the provision in the draft legislation whereby the Hong Kong Government may censor films which threaten Hong Kong's good relations with other
territories.
This provision has been interpreted by the Bill's critics as intended solely to protect Chinese sensitivities. It has also been attacked as being contrary to HMG's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Hong Kong Government has clarified publicly, on the basis of FCO legal advice, that it is not. The Bill will be debated early in the next LegCo session beginning in October. Meanwhile temporary regulations on the same lines have been enacted to ensure that the existing system can continue to apply until the new Bill is passed.
Colten
CO Hum
CONFIDENTIAL
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