CONFIDENTIAL
2
Commons in England was against capital punishment. Since then,
Governor in Council has always commuted death sentences, although
with some reluctance from UMELCO. Interest rekindled in 1981 when
publicity was given to HMG's policy of non-interference in other Dependencies. Discrepancy between Hong Kong and other Territories
obviously difficult but reimposition of practice of death penalty
after so long would equally be highly controversial. Two cases of probably unpleasant murders earlier this year brought issue to
public attention again.
Hong Kong and General Department
November 1982
CONFIDENTIAL