TNAG-0082-FCO40-118-Proposals-to-extend-the-death-penalty-1967 — Page 30

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8th September, 1967.

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In conjunction with the Foreign Office we have been giving thought at official level to the suggestion that you might provide by Emergency Regulation for the death penalty for unlawful possession of explosives, bombs, etc., as set out in your telegram No. 1310 of August 25th. I am afraid that we have not yet been

able to put the proposal formally to Ministers, though of course

Ministers are aware from your telegram that the matter is under consideration, and have indicated that they will need to consider

the matter collectively before any decision is taken. Both our new Secretary of State, Mr. George Thomson, and Lord Shepherd have been away from the Office since your telegram arrived, and do not return until September 11th. But there is also, I am afraid, further information we need from you before we can make a full submission to Ministers and seek their views.

2. I need hardly say that we all absolutely share your concern about the spread of terrorist activities in Hong Kong. The use of bombs and similar devices is a particularly vile and indiscriminate form of terrorism, and one which in the crowded urban conditions of

Hong Kong could become particularly serious. We recognise therefore that everything possible must be done to combat terrorism;

and we

can see that sterner penalties may well have to be provided.

3. Having said that, and although I think there is general recognition in this country of the potential seriousness of the homb threat in Hong Kong, I believe that an extension of the application of the death penalty would on general grounds raise certain difficulties for Ministers. There is moreover at this present time the risk of Chinese retaliation against our people in China. this latter point Ministers have decided that, while any proposals for action in Hong Kong must be considered in relation to their possible effects on our people in Peking, we must clearly do whatever is essential to enable the Hong Kong Government to maintain order.

On

M.D. I. Gass, Esq., CMG.,

Hong Kong.

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