TNAG-0555-FCO40-650-Review-of-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 86

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Another paper, Hong Kong Daily News, urged the Government to give the public a reasoned explanation for not restoring the death penalty. Maybe Britain was against bringing back hanging but it was the people of Hong Kong who were suffering from the deteriorating crime situation.

Hong Kong Times said that Hong Kong had very good reasons for reintroducing the death penalty.

"The only problem is whether the authorities will respect public opinion and take action accordingly," it said.

Sing Tao Jih Fao regretted that the British Government had ignored local opinion in handling an issue which affects the security of Hong Kong.

"We sincerely hope that Britain will respect the opinions of the people of Hong Kong," the paper said.

The communist Tin Fung Yat Po said the restoration of the death penalty depended on the weight of public opinion" and it firmly believed that only by bringing back hanging could the spate of murders be curbed.

Wah Kiu Yat Po in two editorials (23 and 24.10.75) and Ming Pao (26.10.75) commended the Legislative Councillors who supported the death penalty.

Wah Kiu said: "We hope this is only the beginning and that the Councillors will persist with their efforts until the death penalty is restored.'

It also said: "The Councillors' stand is in sharp contrast with that of the so-called religious leaders and 'representatives of the people' who are in effect 'yes men'."

We hope

Ming Pao said: "Although the Councillors are not elected, we nevertheless appreciate their efforts to reflect public opinion. this good beginning will gradually develop into a tradition and general practice."

The paper said the British Government would not permit Hong Kong to restore the death penalty, but perhaps it might allow Hong Kong to decide for herself in this case.

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It went on to suggest several motions which the Councillors might introduce into Council meetings.

First, they could ask the British Parliament to allow a public vote on the issue, and agree not to interfere with the decision should there be a majority in favour.

Secondly, promote the setting up of "an inspeotion board for the commutation of death sentences" which would be responsible for putting forward their recommendations to the Governor.

Thirdly, when an appeal for commutation is put to the Queen, she should refer it back to the Governor, and the Governor should have the final decision.

"We will not lose anything by passing these motions. The worst that can happen is a refusal by the British Parliament," Ming Pao concluded.