25 November 2002

The Editor
The Guardian

Dear Sir,

The article "Someone to watch over me" (November 19) by Ian Buruma is indeed alarmist when he talks about how our proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law to protect national security may affect civil liberties.

It is simply not true that a mere news report would land the writer and his editor in prison or an anti-Government demonstration could lead to arrests. Nor is it true that trade unions, parties or religious groups could be banned for having contact with foreign political organizations.

Our proposals to implement Article 23 are largely drawn from existing laws, which are adapted from UK statutes, and fully comply with Hong Kong's well-established common law traditions and international human rights principles. There is no question of extending Mainland laws or concepts on national security to Hong Kong. Our proposals will only apply in the most severe of circumstances, and in most cases, an act of violence, or a threat of violence, or grave criminal conduct will be required before an offence is committed.

Yours faithfully, ( Mrs Regina Ip ) Secretary for Security Hong Kong Special Administrative Region