17259) Dd.897459 250m 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863 16941) Dd.897300 250m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
CONFIDENTIAL
In 1966 following abolition in the UK for a trial
period, the Hong Kong government decided that the
retention of the death penalty was "closely bound
up with public confidence in the bility of the
government to maintain public order", but that it
should only be carried out in the most extreme cases.
In 1970 following total abolition in the UK the
Governor was again asked to consider the matter. He
replied that the Executive Council had decided that
the existing policy in Hong Kong should not be changed
and that suspension for a trial period would be
inappropriate.
This attitude seems to have hardened
in recent years in view of rising crime figures and
increasing use of violence.
6. Montserrat
Altogether there have been four executions during the
last 10-15 years. The Chief Minister and entire
Legislative Council are likely to oppose abolition.
h. New Hebrides
There have been no executions during the past 10-15
years. The attitude of the Joint Condominium Administ-
ration is coloured by the differing British and French
metropolitan laws. Under the joint system, any
suggestion of abolition would raise considerable
difficulties since the death penalty still applies
under French law for certain forms of murder.
i.
Seychelles
There have been no executions in the Seychelles during
the last 10-15 years.
Although the death sentence is still retained on
the Statute Book, its application has been susr endod
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