26 November 2002

The Editor
Daily Telegraph

Dear Sir,

I would like to clarify a few points mentioned in the article "Hong Kong urged to respect basic rights" by Damien McElroy (November 20).

First, our proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law to protect national security are in full compliance with international human rights covenants applicable to Hong Kong. The proposals draw heavily on existing laws, which are adapted from UK legislation. Our way of life, the rights and freedoms guaranteed for and enjoyed by Hong Kong residents, including freedom of the press, will not be affected by implementing the proposals.

Second, demonstrations as described by the writer will not become illegal following the enactment of the Article 23 legislation. Nor will Hong Kong groups affiliated with banned Chinese organizations be outlawed automatically. The assertion that newspaper reports judged to have been written with intent to damage Hong Kong or the Mainland will break the law is also too simplistic. 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

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