TNAG-0400-FCO40-446-Review-of-the-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 177

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The Governor told me when I was in Hong Kong

that crimes of violence were alarmingly on the

increase (140% in the last 4 years)and that the

public were getting very restive and losing 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.

I would only feel inclined to over-rule 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 our Dependent

Territories. This could become a very lively political

issue which would need a lot of consideration.

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 Colonies.

There is little doubt that it would cause serious

trouble in Hong Kong. I would value a talk early

next week.

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.

CONFIDENTIAL