TNAG-1990-FCO40-2823-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 57

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ROZANN(2)

Kong considers that it is no more contentious than the film "If I

were for Real".

4.

The Hong Kong authorities propose to tell the censor that there is no political objective to the release of this film. Under the

timetable provisions of Hong Kong's film censorship Legislation, a

reply must be given to the film distributor £

June.

Argument

5.

The arguments for not banning the film are:

(i) the stricter guidelines in the new film censorship legislation.

Under the new legislation a political ban can only be imposed if

there is a likelihood that the exhibition of the film would

seriously damage good relations with other territories. Even if the

film were banned, the decision could well be overturned by the new

Appeals Committee which has a non-official majority.

(ii) the low key Chinese response to the release of the film, "If I

were for real". The only Chinese reaction came when the Hong Kong

Government forewarned the NCNA of their decision to show the film.

The NCNA noted with regret that the Hong Kong Government had changed

their position and hoped that they would "exercise prudence in

handling the case".

In

V125

event in

(iii) the likely public reaction in Hong Kong if a decision was

taken to ban the film and this was seen as being in support of the

If he labor

Chine

ће јеван hardlines in Peking. In the present climate, a decision to ban "The

Coldest winter in Peking", if it became generatty known (as it might

well do through the appeat process or through the distributor)

would probably be very badly received in the territory. The depth

of feeling on similar issues inetuding increased freedom of speech

was illustrated in the recent marches in Hong Kong of about half a

million people in support of the students' demonstrations in China

4122

currint

hamoll

6. The main argument for banning the film is the likelihood of

of ni increased Chinese sensitivity after the student demonstrations in

But Sir A Donald kes the view

Peking.

byen 14 laint wish in 4 that