TNAG-1022-FCO40-1272-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1981 — Page 108

CONFIDENTIAL

4.

A second hunger strike began on 1 March with one prisoner,

Robert Sands. Another 14 prisoners have subsequently declared

themselves to be on hunger strike. The prisoners said at the

outset that they would only end their protest if their 5 demands

were met, although they have since dropped their earlier claim

for preferential treatment. They have rejected many appeals to end their protest, including those from the Irish Roman Catholic Bishops and from the Pope's personal envoy. They have also rejected the interventions of the Irish Commission for Justice and Peace,

and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Robert Sands

died on 5 May and another seven prisoners have since died of

self-starvation.

5. The Government deeply regrets the deaths of the hunger strikers. It is committed to maintaining and further improving an already enlightened and humane regime, with flexibility in its adminis-

tration. But it would be wrong to introduce changes under duress.

The prison authorities must remain fully in control of the running of the prisons: no responsible government could act otherwise.

6. A wide range of legislation has been introduced to protect

human rights in Northern Ireland and to outlaw discrimination on

grounds of religious belief or political opinion: there are

measures to ensure fairness in the administration of the criminal

law.

7. The Government is determined that procedures to guard against any ill-treatment of prisoners or suspects in Northern Ireland

should be strictly observed; there is no truth in allegations that

prisoners have been tortured or their visitors abused.

(79)