TNAG-0555-FCO40-650-Review-of-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 41

CODE 18-77

$24.

1/xi

Mr Janyrin [K245 HKIOD]

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

pa.

Reference..

55

We have had no success so far in finding regular statistics for crime in Singapore or the Philippines. No doubt they exist, but they are I think only released when it serves some local official purpose. The following notes, based on what can be gleaned from such material as I have at hand, are impressionistic and not I fear helpful for your purpose.

2. In Singapore an increase in violent crimes and kidnappings was reported in 1972 and 1973. During 1973 there was at least one well-publicised execution (by hanging) for murder and the death penalty was extended to gunmen and to members of gangs involved in armed robbery. In 1974 the Government also gave publicity to canings of those convicted of drug trafficking, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and so on. There would appear to have been fewer reports of violent crime since 1973, but this cannot necessarily be taken to mean that there has been a decline in such crimes.

3. Violent crime was reported to have doubled in the Philippines, especially in Manila itself, between 1964 and 1971. The supply and manufacture of dangerous drugs was made liable to the death penalty in March 1972. Martial law was introduced in September 1972 and readiness to use the death penalty for crime was emphasised there was an especially well-publicised execution (by shooting) of an alleged drug trafficker in January 1973. It was claimed in January 1973 that over 530,000 weapons in civilians' hands had been surrendered or confiscated, that serious crime had been reduced by three- quarters or more since September 1972 and that crimes in which firearms were used had dropped from 80 per cent of total crimes to 30 per cent i.e. that the numbers of such crimes had been reduced by over 90 per cent. These official claims seemed to gain some support from the testimony of foreign journalists and businessmen. The Government spoke of some revival of crime in 1974, but at a time when it wished for other reasons to stress the need for the extension of martial law. Subsequent unofficial reports still spoke of a decline in violent crime, but of a revival of corruption.

-

4. In Taiwan drug traffickers are commonly executed. I have seen it claimed that in consequence Taiwan has no drug problem, but have not seen the evidence, if any, on which this claim is based.

5. If this issue is likely to be with you for some time we will watch for any harder evidence either way.

20 November 1975

bilduk.

A.S.B. Olver S&SEAS, RD G66/4, x 3484