31 December 2002

The Editor
New York Times

Dear Sir,

Contrary to your editorial "Endangered Liberties in Hong Kong" (Dec 27), our proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law will not curtail Hong Kong's freedoms. Nor are they a pretext to crack down on political activities, dissent and the distribution of information.

Hong Kong's various freedoms, including freedom of speech and freedom of press, are protected under the Basic Law, our mini-constitution, as well as by international conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Our proposals to protect national security are largely drawn upon existing laws, and fully comply with Hong Kong's well-established common law traditions and international human rights principles.

We are acutely aware that our freedoms are vital to maintaining Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre and we have no intention of compromising any of these rights and freedoms.

Yours sincerely,

Yours faithfully, ( Timothy Tong ) Acting Permanent Secretary for Security Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

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