CONFIDENTIAL
4.
Labour Affairs
The Labour Adviser's report has been commented on by the Governor. Both papers are to be submitted. The Governor has promised us his considered views on the wider issues raised in the
report.
5. The Death Penalty
The Governor will wish to describe the present use of his constitutional powers of reprieve and the implications.
6.
The Defence Review
The Governor will be having discussion with FCO and MOD officials during his visit. The maintenance of confidence in the Colony and its future is a major factor.
7.
Administration of Justice
The Legal Adviser has suggested changes. The Governor is broadly in agreement, but rejects the idea of an outside advisory group of eminent lawyers.
8.
Corruption
The return of Mr Godber should have been settled. The
outstanding question is whether the Fugitive Offenders Act should be amended to remove the double-criminality rule in relation to Hong Kong.
9.
Sterling
The Hong Kong Government are continuing to comply with the reporting requirements to participate in the Sterling Agreement until the end of the year. There is an unresolved dispute about the meaning of the accidental breach provisions of the agreement. But this may not become actual during the current agreement. Hong Kong has benefited substantially from the agreement in recent months.
CONFIDENTIAL
/10.