TNAG-0334-FCO40-370-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 235

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

CONFIDENTIAL

Brief To

White pairer.

CONFRONTATION PRISONERS.

BACKGROUND

1. As a result of the rioting in 1967 1,832 men

and women were convicted of offences and

imprisoned. On 1 January this year only 23,

mainly convicted of violent crimes, were still in

prison. The sentences of all long term prisoners

in Hong Kong are reviewed regularly by the Prison

Board of Review which makes recom...endations to the

Governor. The prisoners' state of health and

conduct are all taken into account together with

any other relevant factors. During 1971 a total

of 45 "confrontation" prisoners were released with

reduced sentences on the recommendation of the

Prison Board of Review. On 9 December 1972 the

Board of Review recommended reductions of sentences

for 6 further prisoners. They will be released at

a rate of roughly one a month between January and

mid-July. The press was informed on 18 January

of the first 3 releases.

The Chinese Government

has also been informed. A further announcement

will be made at a later date about the remaining 3.

2.

By the end of July, 17 confrontation

prisoners will remain. The Governor's aim is to

work for a solution of this problem in the course

of 1972 based on :

2

CONFIDENTIAL

/a.