TNAG-2236-FCO40-3215-Hong-Kong-and-China-subversion-and-student-demonstrations-1991 — Page 109

For information

on 16 July 1991

CONFIDENTIAL

Blue Volume XXXXVII (4) XCX (91)38 Copy No

NOTE FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

CONFERENCE OF CHINESE STUDENT FEDERATIONS

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The Hong Kong Federation of students are organising a conference of the Joint Committee of Overseas Chinese Student Federations in Hong Kong from 16 - 19 July. A large number of Chinese overseas delegates have been invited. The meeting will review the history of the pro-democracy movement in China, and will discuss future action. There will be exchanges of experiences on the promotion of democracy in China with local groups in Hong Kong. Some of the delegates plan to visit Taiwan afterwards at the invitation of the Taiwanese Federation of Students.

2

The Government have frequently stated both publicly and to the Chinese that it is our policy not to allow Hong Kong to be used by outsiders for their own political purposes.

At the same time we have made clear that Hong Kong people have freedom of speech and that as long as they remain within the law we cannot and will not take action against them.

3

The Chinese have protested to us both in Hong Kong and Peking about the proposed conference. They have demanded that we prevent it being held and stop the delegates from entering Hong Kong.

4

There is no legal basis for preventing the conference from taking place, nor would it be consistent with freedom of speech in Hong Kong to prevent Hong Kong people expressing their opinions. But in line with the policy on outside political activists, the Government intend to try to prevent foreign delegates from attending the meeting. The Consulates of countries from which delegates are expected to come have been warned.

5

Publicly, while not commenting on individual immigration decisions, the Government will use the line in paragraph 2 above.

13 July 1991

PA SCR 5/3571/89

COUNCIL CHAMBER