TNAG-0401-FCO40-447-Review-of-the-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 34

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Ming Pao, Fai Po and Sing Tao Man Po (17.5.73) were worried that the announcement of the reprieve might strike a heavy blow against the Fight Violent Crime Campaign for it will undoubtedly lower the morale of the law enforcement authorities and serve as encouragement to offenders.

Other papers observed that the decision has more significant implications than its adverse effect on the Campaign.

Truth Daily (13.5.73) pointed out that the reprieve for Tsoi Kwok Cheong involved more serious problems than just a blow to the Fight Violent Crime Campaign because it revealed that, apart from death sentence, there are many other matters, and important ones too, which have to be decided by Britain.

"What is to be done if Britain makes other decisions that are disadvantagerous to Hong Kong and against the wishes of the residents as a result of her unfamiliarity with the latter's situation?

"Take for instance China's intention to send representatives to Hong Kong. Is this a matter which should be determined only by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which is "unfamiliar with the situation of Hong Kong"?

"At present, Hong Kong has to leave the final decision on many matters to Britain. What will be the consequences if the communication gap between Britain and Hong Kong grows wider as time goes by?" the paper asked.

The paper added that it is odd for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to make such a rash decision despite the fact that Hong Kong is the most valuable and profitable colony left for Britain today. "It is certainly unwise to save the life of a convicted murderer at the expense of losing the good-will of all the people of Hong Kong."

"People will gradually forget this incident, but if similar cases happen again, how would the people of Hong Kong feel about Britain?" it concluded.

Tin Tin Yat Po (17.5.73) said that the most serious consequence of Britain's move is that it may give people the wrong impression that not ever the law or the top administrative officers of Hong Kong can have the final say in matters concerning Hong Kong. As long as some people consider it necessary, they can always ignore the decision of the Hong Kong Government and seek a different solution to the problem from Britain.

It also pointed out that on the case of Tsoi Kwok-cheong, the public sympathised with the Governor and believed that Britain's interference in the law of Hong Kong had already posed a problem in the basic principle of Government since it was clearly set in the colonial policy declared by the Queen that things should be done in accordance with the wishes and needs of the local residents.

Ming Pao (18.5.73) said that the reprieve involved a practical problem. In future, since murderers know that they will not be hanged for killing, they will employ the most brutal means to resist arrest because if they kill a policeman, the chances are that they may escape. Even if they fail to escape, they do not have to die for it.

The paper expected the death rate of policemen to increase. On the other hand, as thugs become more aggressive, it is only natural and sensible that policemen will be less hesitant to open fire at them so as to defend themselves. Thus the shotting rate of the police will also increase. In the end, there may be more people killed in this manner than those officially sentenced to death and then reprieved. "Can we still say that a reprieve is an act of mercy?"

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