11 October 2002

The Editor
South China Morning Post

Dear Sir,

Ms Gladys Li's letter (South China Morning Post, October 10) raised the interesting question of who would be affected by our proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law.

Where the offences of treason, sedition, secession or subversion are concerned, we do sincerely believe that no one would be affected by our proposals except those who intend to endanger national security by inciting or employing violence, force or serious unlawful means akin to terrorist acts as defined in the United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Ordinance. Likewise, no organization would be affected except those which intentionally engage in or support such extreme acts.

As we have said time and again, the offences referred to under Article 23 have been outlawed in many countries and many of them are already in our statute book. Our proposals do not go beyond the restrictions on rights and freedoms which are necessary for the protection of national security and which are already in place. There is no question of the Government targeting any specific organizations or individuals. If Ms Li could send us her views on specific aspects of our proposals, we would be delighted to consider them carefully and respond to her further.

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

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