TNAG-2556-FCO40-3731-Hong-Kong-Bill-of-Rights-Societies-(Amendment)-Bill-1992-1992 — Page 134

Classification

CONFIDENTIAL

ZCZC

CONFIDENTIAL

OUT TELEGRAM

Caveat

Precedence

PRIORITY

TELIC

FM FCO

TO PRIORITY HONG KONG

TELNO

OF 131100Z FEBRUARY 92

AND TO PRIORITY PEKING, UKREP JLG HONG KONG

YOUR TELNOS 148, 212 AND PEKING TELNO 90: BILL OF RIGHTS: REVIEW

OF LEGISLATION: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SOCIETIES ORDINANCE

YYYY

MAIN

ADDITIONAL

INNN

20

1. We agree with your view (first TUR para 3) that the present registration system and the wide discretion to refuse registration of societies under the ordinance could well be seen by the Courts as an infringement of the right to ''Freedom of Association'' under Article 18 of the Bill of Rights (BOR), and consequently that the ordinance requires amendment before the

''freeze'' expires.

2. We agree that you should consult ExCo on the approach set out in first TUR. We would be interested to see the draft

amendment Bill when it is ready. Without seeing the proposals

in detail it is difficult to offer specific comments, but the

following points occur to us at this stage and may be useful in

further refining your approach: In principle, we see no

objection to a requirement for societies to notify their establishment to the Commissioner of Police (CP). In second TUR

(para 1), you refer to companies.

What

File number

Depr

BECACZ/JRB

HKD

Authorised for

despatch by:

initials

For COD

use only

Comcen reference

Catchword:

Date/time

Drafted by (Block capitals)

DR S D HARKIN

17/0

น

Telegram number

Telephone no

3287

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