RECEIVED
REGISTRY No.52
13 JUN1975
From: Ben T. Ford, M.P.
HOUSE OF COMMONS
Hü
27
LONDON SWIA OAA
11th June, 1975
BTF/CW/HK
Rt. Hon. J. Callaghan, Esq., M.P.,
Secretary of State,
Foreign & Commonwealth Office,
Downing Street,
London, SW1A 2AL.
LAST
REF
Deen Jim,
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29)
PALIGN AND COMMONWEALTH (
Capital Punishment in Hong Kong
12 JUN 975
It are
SECTION
I wish to draw your attention to the enclosed letter from a correspondent in Hong Kong, Mr. Y.W. Fong, expressing gerat concern about the de facto abolition of capital punishment in Hong Kong.
I can speak from experience of previous visits to the colony that at least 98% of the population are in favour of the retention and application of capital punishment. This was particularly impressed upon me at every stage by every segment of the population during a visit I undertook last year, and following which I gave a report to Lord Goronwy-Roberts.
I think we should take into account the fact that although Hong Kong is a crown colony, the national character and usages of the majority of its inhabitants are not necessarily consonant with the social climate of this country, and that they do seriously believe that the cessation of capital punishment has resulted in a great increase in capital crime; a view which is supported by statistics.
I would be grateful, therefore, if you would give this matter your very serious attention.
1. Acknowledgement
2. Secretary of State
.HK... OA... draft reply from
to-see has not seen
for
Yours sincerely, Ben
hd...torey brooks
BX112/6