TNAG-0555-FCO40-650-Review-of-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 88

4

It said that the British Government would not allow Hong Kong to reintroduce the death penalty because the Labour Party in power was afraid of giving the Opposition a chance to attack them.

"Therefore, the people and organisations promoting the restoration of the death penalty should aim their campaign towards the voters in Britain and give them an understanding of Hong Kong's urgent need for the death penalty, so that they will no longer be opposed to Hong Kong's request for capital punishment," the paper said.

Defence Costs

The British Minister of State for Defence, Mr. William Rodgers, arrived in Hong Kong on October 27 for talks with the Government on Hong Kong's share in defence costs.

During the week under review, the Chinese press carried eight editorials most of which were critical of suggestions that Hong Kong might have to pay a greater share of defence costs than would be reasonable.

Sing Tao Wan Pac (25.10.75) said the presence of the British garrison in Hong Kong was of paramount importance to the stability of Hong Kong.

Britain had reasons for requesting an increased defence costs contribution from Hong Kong, the paper said.

The paper said: "But the amount of increase must be what Hong Kong can afford. If the sum is too large, Hong Kong would be unable to pay."

Hong Kong Daily News (26.10.75) quoted an unconfirmed report as saying that Britain would ask Hong Kong to increase its defence costs contribution to $400 million.

The paper said: "The British Government should realise Hong Kong's economic difficulties." It added that Hong Kong had, for the first time, raised loans from overseas to finance its public projects and social services.

The paper said it fully appreciated the significance and contributions made by the British garrison in Hong Kong.

But we would rather use the extra funds to expand the police force in view of the present crime situation in Hong Kong, the paper said.

Sing Tao Jih Pao (27.10.75) was against any significant increases in defence costs contribution.

The paper said Hong Kong had been hard hit by the economic recession and had had to raise loans from international banks to meet deficits.

The paper said: "The lack of funds have delayed various social welfare projects in Hong Kong and any large increases in defence costs contribution would be most unreasonable."