TNAG-1157-FCO40-1437-Visits-by-FCO-Ministers-to-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 95

CONFIDENTIAL

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Commons in England was against capital punishment. Since then,

Governor in Council has always commuted death sentences, although

with some reluctance from UMELCO. Interest rekindled in 1981 when

publicity was given to HMG's policy of non-interference in other

Dependencies. Discrepancy between Hong Kong and other Territories obviously difficult but reimposition of practice of death penalty

after so long would equally be highly controversial. Two cases of

probably unpleasant murders earlier this year brought issue to

public attention again.

Hong Kong and General Department

November 1982

CONFIDENTIAL