TNAG-1157-FCO40-1437-Visits-by-FCO-Ministers-to-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 93

CONFIDENTIAL

LORD BELSTEAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : 6 TO 10 DECEMBER 1982

BRIEF NO.7: CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

POINTS TO MAKE (Defensive)

[Reference may be made to two murder cases earlier this year in Hong

Kong which, because of their nature, have rekindled the call for re-introduction of capital punishment.]

1. Understand strength of feeling on this. But there has been no

change in the position since 1973.

2. [If pressed] While constitutional position is same as for other Dependent Territories, absence of elected legislature in Hong Kong means that special attention must be paid to views of UK Parliament.

Only recently majority in Commons again reaffirmed opposition to capital punishment.

CONFIDENTIAL