Constitutional Progress
14.
There is a small but vociferous minority in Hong Kong, supported by a number of people in this country, who would like to see BIOPO progress in the Colony towards a more representative self-governmen 5. However, the possibility of substituting any electoral process bas been ruled out because of Chinese opposition to any move which could be construed as setting Hong Kong on the road to independence: and because of conflicting political allegiances within the Chinese population. The Chinese are known to be highly sensitive to the risk that electoral processes might lead to the election of KMT candidates. The Governor considers that the only way forward is
to begin to alter the social composition of LegCo somewhat, by appointin: a few local people from a wider social background.
Vietnamese Refugees
15. Another immediate problem is the resettlement of 4000 Vietna refugees who have been temporarily accommodated in Hong Kong since early May. We and the Hong Kong Government have approached some 20 other Governments on their behalf and we hope that by the end of thin month only some 1200 refugees will remain to be resettled. TIPO 19 been criticised in Hong Kong because we have not yet taken any ol these Vietnamese despite accepting a steady stream of Chilean Peugeo Some 153 are awaiting a Home Office decision at present.
Death Penalty
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16. The existence of the death penalty for murder in Hong Kout and the fact that the Secretary of State does not think that he could
carry the House of Commons in a decision to permit an execution to take place in Hong Kong is a considerable irritant in our relations Crime is considered the greatest social problem in the Colony auri public opinion there still strongly favours the implementation the death penalty. In fact, no death sentence has been carried out 1966 because of expected difficulties in Parliament, although theater was a particularly awkward situation in 1973 when the Governor head decided that the law should take its course but the Foreign Secret in the belief that he could not carry Parliament, advised the to exercise her residual Prerogative of Mercy. This caused mu
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CONVIDENTIAL
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