(17260) Dd.897459 400mm 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
(16940) Dd.897300 400m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
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HK K
Registry 14/6
No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted. Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
In Confidence
CONFIDENTIAL
DRAFT
BRIEF
To:-
PROBLEM
SECRETARY OF STATE
Type 1 +
FROM
HKIOD
Telephone No. Ext.
Department
CABINET
DEFENCE AND OVERSEAS POLICY COMMITTEE
THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE
DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
The death penalty for murder still exists in
Hong Kong and several other dependent territories.
It is not possible to change the law, except in
Hong Kong, because of the constitutional and
political implications of overriding the wishes of
elected legislatures and Governments. As far as
Hong Kong is concerned, future policy creates a
problem, following the recent decision to advise
The Queen to reprieve a Hong Kong murderer. Chinese
opinion in Hong Kong, supported by the Unofficial
Members of Executive and Legislative Councils, is
overwhelmingly in favour of the death penalty.
could not expect the Governor to force a bill for
abolition through with his official majority and
still to govern effectively.
We
A decision is needed
now whether to (i) leave the law in Hong Kong as it
is, with the implication that occasional hangings
may take place; (ii) leave the law as it is until
/the
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.