CONFIDENTIAL
BACKGROUND
There are now 115 Chinese prisoners in Hong Kong all of whom were original sentenced to four years imprisonment or more during the disturbances of 1967. Of these "confrontation" prisoners five were convicted of offences involving violence, 87 for possession of offensive weapons, and 23 for possession or the use of
explosives.
2.
Thirty five of the 115 are due for release during the remainder of this year. Assuming in all cases no loss of remission, another 29 will be released in 1971 and a
the remainder, further 29 in the two years 1972 and 1973; with the exception of two serving life sentences, will be
released in the period 1974–77.
The Governor's Prerogative
3. Under the Letters Patent, the Governor may grant to any convicted offender a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions, or any remission of the sentence.
In the exercise of his power to remit sentences the Governor is advised by a Prisons Poard of Review consisting
of four officials and two unofficials under the Chairmanship
of the Attorney General.
Review Procedure
4. Prison Rule 69 provides that normal remission of all sentences shall be one third of sentence.
Prison Rule 69A
lays down that sentences shall be reviewed after four years and every two years thereafter provided the prisoner, if over 21 at the date of the offence, is serving a term of
/imprisonment
CONFIDENTIAL
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