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1990-07-25 15:52 SECURITY BRANCH
852 868 5074 P.24
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I do not think it would be right to view the current controls on the use of loudspeakers in public and the public collection of money as an infringement of civil liberties. These laws are of long standing and are widely understood, and supported, in the community. Other than in the period immediately after 4 June 1989, when public emotions ran high and a flexible pragmatic approach was quite rightly adopted by the Police, they have been applied consistently and without any particular discrimination. Nevertheless, you might like to know that all existing legislation is currently being reviewed to make sure that it is fully compatible both with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and with the provisions of a Bill of Rights which is about to be considered by the Legislative Council.
You have, I am afraid, been misinformed about what the Hong Kong Government's submission to the UN Human Rights Committee said about the use of hand-held loudspeakers, The relevant passage (para 70) did not refer to handheld loudspeakers. There is, as I have mentioned above, legislation in force dealing with the use of these.
Having said all this, I am grateful to you for
As I am sure writing and for your motives in doing so. you realise, these prosecutions were in no way politically motivated. They were, as is normal in our system, brought by the Attorney General acting independently of the executive. I have no hesitation in assuring you of the Hong Kong Government's commitment to civil liberties in the territory. The forthcoming enactment of a Bill of Rights will provide a sound legal framework to ensure that the rights and freedoms of all members of our community are sustained and respected.
With ale but withe_
Ricer
S
Governor
Honourable John Edward Porter
Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington DC 20515
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