TNAG-0555-FCO40-650-Review-of-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 97

GRS 180-

PRIORITY

CYPHER CAT/A

FM HONG KONG 240748Z

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NKK14/4

TO PRIORITY F C O TELEGRAM NO 1059 OF 24 OCTOBER.

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CAPITAL

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.

NEAJ

REF.

()

UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPOKE ON 22ND AND

23RD OCTOBER IN CUSTOMARY DEBATE WHICH FOLLOWS THE GOVERNOR'S

ANNUAL ADDRESS.

2. THE SUBJECT ON WHICH MOST ATTENTION WAS FOCUSSED BY UNOFFICIALS

WAS THE DEATH PENALTY. THEY PRESSED STRONGLY FOR ITS RESTORATION

IN HONG KONG.

3. IT IS APPARENT THAT THE PASSAGE OF TIME HAS SO FAR NOT

RECONCILED THEM, NOR THE COMMUNITY GENERALLY, TO THE AUTOMATIC

COMMUTATION OF DEATH SENTENCES IN EVERY CASE.

4. THE PRESS HAS GIVEN MAJOR COVERAGE TO THIS ASPECT OF UNOFFICIAL'S

SPEECHES. IT SUPPORTED THE PLEA FOR EXECUTIONS OF MURDERERS WITH

NO DISSENTIENT VOICE.

5. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, AND AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF A DRAMATIC RISE IN CRIMES OF VIOLENCE IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS OR SO, IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR OFFICIALS TO REPLY ON THIS SUBJECT WHEN THE DEBATE IS

RESUMED ON 5/6 NOVEMBER.

6. I SHALL PROBABLY FEEL IT NECESSARY TO CONSULT YOU ON THE FORM

OF REPLY. THE DEMANDS OF THE DEFENCE COSTS NEGOTIATIONS MAY MAKE

IT DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GIVE YOU MUCH TIME TO COMMENT BUT I WILL.

DO MY BEST.

MACLEHOSE

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HKIOD

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MR AR RUSHFORD LEGAL ADVISERS

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