TNAG-1815-FCO40-2576-Hong-Kong-Public-Order-(Amendment)-Bill-1988-1988 — Page 24

CONFIDENTIAL #E

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public opinion, though opponents of Section 27 will be

confirmed in their view that they were right, and the

Government wrong, from the beginning. Those who supported

the Government's position two years ago may feel let down,

but are not expected to react strongly. There may be some

perception of Government weakness. Overseas, we should do

better, as a major target of criticism will have been

removed.

Publicity

18.

A press release will be issued and a spokesman

made available. Our general approach will be that :

(a)

the Government has been carefully monitorng the

effects of Section 27. The media has continued

to report freely;

(b)

Section 27 was only ever intended as a last

resort, a point underlined by publication of the

Attorney General's prosecution guidelines;

(c)

we have concluded that public opinion is against

retention;

GF 323

CONFIDENTIAL #2

機密