TNAG-0400-FCO40-446-Review-of-the-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 145

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

CONFIDENTIAL

In 1966 following abolition in the UK for a trial

period, the Hong Kong government decided that the

retention of the death penalty was "closely bound

up with public confidence in the bility of the

government to maintain public order", but that it

should only be carried out in the most extreme cases.

In 1970 following total abolition in the UK the

Governor was again asked to consider the matter. He

replied that the Executive Council had decided that

the existing policy in Hong Kong should not be changed

and that suspension for a trial period would be

inappropriate.

This attitude seems to have hardened

in recent years in view of rising crime figures and

increasing use of violence.

6. Montserrat

Altogether there have been four executions during the

last 10-15 years. The Chief Minister and entire

Legislative Council are likely to oppose abolition.

h. New Hebrides

There have been no executions during the past 10-15

years. The attitude of the Joint Condominium Administ-

ration is coloured by the differing British and French

metropolitan laws. Under the joint system, any

suggestion of abolition would raise considerable

difficulties since the death penalty still applies

under French law for certain forms of murder.

i.

Seychelles

There have been no executions in the Seychelles during

the last 10-15 years.

Although the death sentence is still retained on

the Statute Book, its application has been susr endod

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