TNAG-0263-FCO40-299-Problem-of-increase-in-crime-rate-in-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 15

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Confidential

Mr. Wilford.

Sir L. Monson www.

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Sir L. Monson

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M. Royle has seen and agreed

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Crime in Hong Kong

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Problem

A reply is required to the attached letter from the Governor of Hong Kong in which he expresses concern over the up- ward trend in violent crime in the Colony during the past few

years. He mentions certain measures already under consideration

for dealing with the situation and asks if there are any points

we would wish him to take into account.

Recommendation

2.

I recommend that a reply be sent to the Acting Governor

in terms of the attached draft letter.

Background

3.

A copy of the Governor's letter has been seen by

Mr. Royle who expressed the hope that the Governor would not go

ahead with any changes until we had had a chance to consider the Governor's suggestions in depth. The Governor has been informed accordingly. Mr. Royle also raised certain other points and

these are discussed below, together with the measures mentioned

by the Governor.

Capital Punishment (para.6 of the Governor's letter)

4.

There have been only two executions (both in 1966) carried out in Hong Kong since the end of 1962: during the same period 18 death sentences have been commuted and in one case the conviction was quashed. Figures are attached at Annex A. In March 1970, following the permanent abolition of capital punish- ment for persons convicted of murder in Great Britain, the then Secretary of State issued a circular despatch to dependent terri- 'tories asking them to consider whether their legislation on the

subject could be brought into line with the law in the United Kingdom. In reply to that despatch the Governor stated that the matter had been discussed in his Executive Council but that

it had been decided that no change should be made. He added

/that if

Confidential

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