TNAG-2004-FCO40-2852-Hong-Kong-political-parties-1990 — Page 67

DRAFT LETTER FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

The Rt Hon Paddy Ashdown MP

House of Commons

London

SW1A OAA

Thank you for your letter of 29 June about the

prosecution of certain individuals in Hong Kong under the

Summary Offences Ordinance.

As you will know, these matters are sub judice,

pending further court hearings, and for this reason I

cannot comment on the particular circumstances of the specific cases you quote.

I would, however, like to make the general point that Hong Kong legislation governing the use of loudspeakers and on the collection of money in public are

prudent and reasonable measures for the protection of the public. They are in no way inconsistent with the

protection of the high degree of freedom within the law

which Hong Kong people enjoy and will continue to enjoy;

and I do not accept that restrictions of this kind are inconsistent with the relevant provisions of the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

which the Hong Kong Bill is intended to implement.

BOWABQ