TNAG-1990-FCO40-2823-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 47

CONFIDENTIAL

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Mr Paul, HKD

Paul,

with

Ma Maude agrees your recommendation

V. Ewan

1018.

PS/Mr Maude

14/8 MKD 306/2

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From: A R Paul

Date:

CC:

Hong Kong Department

9 August 1989

Private Secretary

Mr Gillmore

FED

HONG KONG: FILM CENSORSHIP:

"PORTRAIT OF A FANATIC

Problem

1.

A Taiwanese film, which has been banned previously in Hong

Kong, has been resubmitted to the Hong Kong authorities for a

licence to be shown in the territory. How should they respond?

Recommendation

2.

The Hong Kong Government do not propose to ban the film.

I recommend that we endorse this decision. The Ambassador in

Peking and FED concur.

Background

3.

The Hong Kong Government have always had powers to ban films on political grounds. The criterion has been whether the showing of a particular film would "damage relations with other

territories". This was of course code for "annoy the Chinese".

There has long been a tacit understanding that the Hong Kong

authorities would seek to prevent provocative acts (such as the

showing of anti Communist propaganda films) in Hong Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL