GRS 180-
PRIORITY
CYPHER CAT/A
FM HONG KONG 240748Z
RESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
NKK14/4
TO PRIORITY F C O TELEGRAM NO 1059 OF 24 OCTOBER.
34
TOP COPY
R
CAPITAL
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.
NEAJ
REF.
()
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPOKE ON 22ND AND
23RD OCTOBER IN CUSTOMARY DEBATE WHICH FOLLOWS THE GOVERNOR'S
ANNUAL ADDRESS.
2. THE SUBJECT ON WHICH MOST ATTENTION WAS FOCUSSED BY UNOFFICIALS
WAS THE DEATH PENALTY. THEY PRESSED STRONGLY FOR ITS RESTORATION
IN HONG KONG.
3. IT IS APPARENT THAT THE PASSAGE OF TIME HAS SO FAR NOT
RECONCILED THEM, NOR THE COMMUNITY GENERALLY, TO THE AUTOMATIC
COMMUTATION OF DEATH SENTENCES IN EVERY CASE.
4. THE PRESS HAS GIVEN MAJOR COVERAGE TO THIS ASPECT OF UNOFFICIAL'S
SPEECHES. IT SUPPORTED THE PLEA FOR EXECUTIONS OF MURDERERS WITH
NO DISSENTIENT VOICE.
5. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, AND AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF A DRAMATIC RISE IN CRIMES OF VIOLENCE IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS OR SO, IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR OFFICIALS TO REPLY ON THIS SUBJECT WHEN THE DEBATE IS
RESUMED ON 5/6 NOVEMBER.
6. I SHALL PROBABLY FEEL IT NECESSARY TO CONSULT YOU ON THE FORM
OF REPLY. THE DEMANDS OF THE DEFENCE COSTS NEGOTIATIONS MAY MAKE
IT DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GIVE YOU MUCH TIME TO COMMENT BUT I WILL.
DO MY BEST.
MACLEHOSE
FILES.
HKIOD
COPIES TO:
MR AR RUSHFORD LEGAL ADVISERS
RESTRICTED