BACKGROUND NOTE
The current Communist campaign in Hong Kong of
terrorism and the indiscriminate planting of bombs has
resulted in strong public pressure for the re-introduction
of the death penalty for persons convicted of illegal
possession or use of explosives. The case for and against
such a measure is at present being examined in consultation
with the Hong Kong Government: it will be submitted to
Ministers for decision before any action is taken.
Capital punishment for murder has been retained in
the law of Hong Kong (though it is rarely carried out),
partly because the Chinese have a particular horror of
certain rare crimes (e.g. patricide) and partly because
they regard the death penalty as the token of the
Government's power and intention to maintain law and order.
A draft reply is attached.
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT.