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ThaB 380
KECE
1.
1991
ليه
pa.(38
042370
MDHIAN 4245
RESTRICTED
FM HONG KONG
TO IMMEDIATE FCO
TELNO 2154
OF 051058Z JULY 91
INFO PRIORITY PEKING, HKG OFFICE LONDON
TOP COPY Q DIST?
YRTELNOS 1241 AND 1242: CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
1. WE WOULD PREFER THE THIRD SENTENCE IN THE REPLY TO THE IRISH SECTION OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL (FIRST TUR) TO READ: 'THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS NOW CONSIDERING WHETHER TO INTRODUCE AMENDING LEGISLATION'. THE POINT IS THAT WE DO NOT WANT TO IMPLY THAT A LEGCO MOTION IS BINDING ON THE HKG.
2. IT IS OUR INTENTION TO CONSULT EXCO IN SEPTEMBER AFTER THE SUMMER BREAK, WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING THE NECESSARY AMENDING LEGISLATION INTO LEGCO IN THE AUTUMN. WE MAY WANT TO MOVE CAREFULLY, GIVEN THE NEED TO GAUGE SENTIMENT IN THE NEW LEGCO.
3. IN HONG KONG, AS HAS BEEN THE CASE ELSEWHERE, THE LEGISLATURE HAS TAKEN A VIEW ON THE ABOLITION OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT THAT IS CONTRARY TO THE WIDER PUBLIC OPINION, WHICH REMAINS IN FAVOUR OF IT. NEVERTHELESS, PUBLIC REACTION TO LEGCO'S DECISION HAS SO FAR BEEN MUTED.
4. PRC REPRESENTATIVES HERE HAVE SO FAR REFRAINED FROM EXPRESSING A PUBLIC VIEW ON THIS SUBJECT. OUR GUESS IS THAT IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THEY WILL BE TOO CONCERNED, SINCE THE DEATH PENALTY COULD BE INTRODUCED BY A FUTURE SAR LEGISLATURE EVEN IF IS WAS TO BE ABOLISHED BEFORE 1997.
WILSON
YYYY
1
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