TNAG-0082-FCO40-118-Proposals-to-extend-the-death-penalty-1967 — Page 27

BACKGROUND NOTE

The current Communist campaign in Hong Kong of

terrorism and the indiscriminate planting of bombs has

resulted in strong public pressure for the re-introduction

of the death penalty for persons convicted of illegal

possession or use of explosives. The case for and against

such a measure is at present being examined in consultation

with the Hong Kong Government: it will be submitted to

Ministers for decision before any action is taken.

Capital punishment for murder has been retained in

the law of Hong Kong (though it is rarely carried out),

partly because the Chinese have a particular horror of

certain rare crimes (e.g. patricide) and partly because

they regard the death penalty as the token of the

Government's power and intention to maintain law and order.

A draft reply is attached.

HONG KONG DEPARTMENT.