TNAG-1603-FCO40-2210-Future-of-Hong-Kong-annual-reports-to-Parliament-on-Hong-Kon-1987 — Page 265

(c)

Triads

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81.

In 1986 the Hong Kong

overnment launched a new initiative to

combat organised crime in the territory and, in particular, the

menace posed by triad societies. A discussion document entitled "Options for Changes in the Law and in the Administration of the Law

to counter the Triad Problem" was published in April and

April and the public

reaction to its proposals revealed a widespread demand, within the

community for sustained and determined action against triads.

>

In

the coming months the Hong Kong Government intends to take steps to

implement those measures which received widespread public support.

These include better protection for witnesses; one-way viewers for

identification parades; thorough examination of the need for new

laws, to combat organised crime along the lines of those now

obtaining in the United States of America; stricter penalties for

illegal gambling, vice and drug offences; and more extensive public

education directed at

people to young

warn them of the evils of

triads. For rehabilitation of triad offenders a triad renunciation

scheme will be introduced. Proposals in the document on which there

was less of a public consensus including proposals for a system of Police supervision of certain offenders and the placing of limits on

activities of convicted triad members

will be further considered

in the light of the public comments

by the Hong Kong Government,

received, before amendments are made to the law.

XIII. CONCLUSION

82.

Kong.

flourishing.

1986 has been a year of further steady

for steady progress

Hong

The economy, led by a strong export performance, is Unemployment and inflation have remained low and there

has been a return to a balanced budget. Investor confidence, both

local and

overseas, remains good, particularly in the manufacturing

The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group and the Land

worked steadily and productively and have considerable practical achievements to their credit. Steps towards more representative government taken in 1985 have been consolidated

during 1986. 1987 will be an

important year in which further steps

Kong's political development will be

industry.

Commission

have

of process

Hong

in the

considered by the people of Hong Kong.

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