(if pressed).
exaggerated.
individuals.
This problem certainly exists but should not be
The need is to discover and punish corrupt
The Governor's firm measures should have the
support of every person of goodwill in Hong Kong and Britain.
DEATH PENALTY
15. The death penalty still exists in Hong Kong but it has not
been carried out since 1966. The prerogative of mercy is
CONSIDERE)
delegated to the Governor, to be exercised in each case
as it
arises.
ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY
16. This would be a complex question, which would require very
careful consideration.
STERLING GUARANTEE ARRANGEMENTS
17. That is a question for my right honourable Friend the
Chancellor of the Exchequer.
CHINESE REPRESENTATION
18. The Chinese Government were given no encouragement to pursue
the proposal for an official Chinese representative in Hong Kong
when they raised it with the last Government. There have been no
recent discussions about this proposal.
(If pressed on what attitude the Government would now take if the
Chinese press this proposal).
I would not want to comment on a hypothetical situation.
IMMIGRATION INTO HONG KONG
19.
Immigration from China into Hong Kong increased considerably
last year (56,000 compared with 20,000 in 1972 and less than
3,000 in 1971) Numbers have dropped since they reached a high
•
point in November, but they are still matter of concern.
a
Discussions with the Chinese are continuing.
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