TNAG-0487-FCO40-552-Review-of-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 4

No.52

-9 JUL 1974

From: Ben T. Ford, M.P.

Parliamentary Under-Setary of State

Recd. 117.

тонкай

Ack

101

HILIL 14/1

HOUSE OF COMMONS

for

draft reply bra hood G.R.p.

LONDON SWIA OAA

Otware

BTF/CW/II.K.

9th July, 1974

Lord Goronwy-koberts,

Parliamentary Under-Secretary Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Downing Street,

London, SW1A 2AL.

Dean Goronway,

Death Penalty

LAST

REF.

NEXT

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(110

Hong Kong

You will recall my mentioning the matter of the deep feeling in Hong Kong about the death penalty, when I saw you in company with my colleague, James Johnson. I enclose a copy of an editorial from the South China Morning Post, dated Wednesday, June 12th, which might assist you to understand the depth of feeling in this matter.

You may be interested to know that I have recently received a letter from a member of the Legislative Council, in which it is said "The rising crime rate is quite horrifying and dangerous it would be a tragedy if nothing is done to help us out."

Would it not perhaps be possible to consider allowing the Hong Kong authorities to make their own decisions in these matters, say, for a trial period.

I have not forgotten that you requested me to submit a memorandum following my remarks. Unfortunately one I had in draft was destroyed in the fire, following the explosion in Westminster Hall, and so I regret that there will be a little delay whilst I prepare it again.

Ferns sincerely,

Sen Ford