CONFIDENTIAL
Communist prisoners in detention at the end of the first quarter of
1970, five prisoners were convicted primarily of crimes of violence,
87 for the possession of offensive weapons, and 23 for the posses-
sion or use of explosives (Hong Kong telegram No. 183). Only the
first of these categories was excluded from the terms of the
amnesty in Cyprus.
4. It is important that, in advocating the selective premature
release of certain prisoners, we are not bending the traditional
rules of British colonial administration. But on the contrary, the
Hong Kong Government is under standing instructions to review
continuously sentences imposed for exemplary purposes, and there is
ample precedent in British colonial history for premature releases. 5. I have submitted separately (submission of 21 August) on the
cases of the sick prisoners. I suggest we should await progress on
this issue before raising with the Governor the more general
considerations outlined above.
6. I understand, however, that Hong Kong Department consider
that the 1960 circular is unlikely to be thought sufficient grounds
for a further review. I should be grateful for their views.
JAL Mugon
J. A. L. Morgan)
21 August, 1970
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CONFIDENTIAL
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