ABSTRACT
Although the British government during the period 1967 to 1970 proclaimed the importance of a free press and press freedom as a foundation for liberty, in practice, the regime was consistently repressive. Its main concern was to nip any threat to public order in the bud. While the general public was concerned about infringements of freedom, the British priority was to maintain their authority rather than press freedom. However, a tension developed between an illiberal tradition of imperial rule in Hong Kong and the more liberal approach that was emerging in London. The situation was further complicated by the fact that Britain was caught up in Cold War politics and was also adjusting its foreign policy as regards the Far East towards one of decolonisation and a phasing out of imperial rule.
