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CONFIDENTIAL
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CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
6. Capital punishment is penalty for murder under Hong Kong law.
Last execution was in 1966. In 1973 then Secretary of State,
Sir Alec Douglas-Home, intervened to prevent an execution in
Hong Kong. Since then Governor has always commuted sentences,
usually to life imprisonment. Initially Hong Kong public most
dissatisfied but have grown to accept position. Some interest
recently rekindled when it became known that HMG's policy in other
dependencies was not to interfere. Ministers have recently agreed
to maintain status quo in Hong Kong. Line to take is one
advocated by Governor.
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
7. (See Brief No 10). Line to take is one agreed with the
Governor and the Ambassador in Peking.
REPLACEMENT FOR KAI TAK AIRPORT
8. Kai Tak Airport will only be able to cope with projected
traffic to mid 1980s. Cannot be extended.
Replacement therefore
needed. Present preferred site at Chek Lap Kok in west of Territory
just north of Lantau Island.
Consultants doing detailed studies.
Possible alternative to North in Deep Bay also being looked at.
Decision expected in 1982.
LOCAL ADMINISTRATION
9.
(See Brief No 14).
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
10. May want to know why UK quota of 10,000 cannot be extended.
Home Secretary and Secretary of State consider it is politically
impossible.
(See Brief No 8).
CONFIDENTIAL
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