'
CO YAHP
CONFIDENTIAL
From:
A R Paul
3
Hong Kong Department
Date: 18 January 1989
CC:
PS/Mr Eggar
Mr Gillmore
WIAD
Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers
Mr Hendry, Legal Advisers
Mr McLaren
PS/Lova Glenarthur
Minister
PS
MKD 380/1
23 A 198
HONG KONG:
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
IN
Problem
1.
The Governor of Hong Kong has to decide whether to commute a
death sentence imposed for a particularly brutal murder in Hong
Kong. He has asked whether it continues to be the case that
Ministers would always advise The Queen to exercise the prerogative
of mercy in the case of an appeal against sentence of death in Hong
Kong.
Recommendation
I recommend that we should confirm to the Governor that this
remains the position. Legal Advisers concur.
2.
Background
3.
The background to the present case is contained in Hong Kong
CONF IDENTIAL
/telno