CONFIDENTIAL
confidence in the government's will to protect them.
Although
...
no death sentence had been carried out for 7 years he felt that he would probably have to carry out such a sentence as gang crimes of violence were intimidating the public and those responsible for maintaining law and order. The Governor's feelings are very strong.
5. I would only feel inclined to advise overruling him if you and my colleagues felt that because of recent events here and in Northern Ireland we are almost bound to abolish the death penalty in those of our Dependent Territories where it still exists. This could become a very lively political issue which would need a lot of consideration.
6.
It is better to get this matter right rather than to act in a hurry so I send this preliminary note to you together with an
account of the crime. I am putting together a paper on the implication of the abolition of the death penalty in the Colouies. There is little doubt that it would cause serious trouble in Hong Kong. I would value a talk early next week, since The Queen's decision in this particular case must be conveyed to the Governor very soon.
7. I am sending copies of this minute to the Home Secretary, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chief Whip, Lord President, Secretary of State for Defence, Attorney General and Sir Burke Trend.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, S.W.1.
CONFIDENTIAL
ALEC DOUGLASHOM:
24 Ark 1973
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