TNAG-1005-FCO40-1254-Capital-punishment-in-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 77

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Mr Donald

Dopa

The 9880

CONFIDENTIAL

2 1 AUG 1981

No

M

218

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG

Capital Punishment

1.

HK GRA

Vi Voeful

Many thanks.

Ан

Action Taken

(9A)

This attracted attention after an article in the 'South China Morning Post' of 16 July questioned whether HMG had changed its policy on the use of the death penalty in Hong Kong. Sir S Y Chung raised the subject during his meeting with Mr Ridley. Further details are in my submission of 31 July to PS/Mr Ridley and my minute of 4 August.

Nationality Bill

2.

5

The successful Gibraltar amendment was discussed in EXCO on 28 July (Hong Kong Telegram No 708). The LPS wrote to Mr Whitelaw on 6 August stating the FCO's opposition to the amendment and our wish to see it reversed (Mr Jones's submission of 30 July). In the meantime we are examining possible changes in nomenclature which might ease anxieties in the Dependent Territories. 'British (Hong Kong) Citizen' is the favoured one. Sir S Y Chung did not raise the amendment in his meeting with Mr Ridley but spoke in general terms.

3.

I have minuted separately on the suggestion that Sir L Kadoorie should participate in the Report Stage in the House of Lords.

Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Bid for the Royal Bank of Scotland

4. I have minuted separately on Sir Philip Haddon-Cave's appearance before the Commission.

MFA

1

G

H WP

12113

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5.

During a LEGCO meeting on 8 July, Miss Lydia Dunn and Mr T S Lo called for assurances from HMG that we will uphold Hong Kong's position in internal EC talks on the MFA (Hong Kong Telegrams Nos 685 and 686 refer). A statement for public consumption has been agreed by the Departments concerned together with a more explicit confidential assurance for the Acting Governor (FCO Telegrams Nos 632 and 633).

7 August 1981

Дир

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

CONFIDENTIAL