TNAG-1923-FCO40-2728-Capital-punishment-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 19

CODE 18-77

Mr Stone

HKD

Reference..

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HKB 380 i

24/

پہ

DEPENDENT TERRITORIES:

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

I attach a copy of a letter (plus its enclosure) from Rt Hon Merlyn Rees MP to the Secretary of State on capital punishment in the DTs.

2.

In consultation with Legal Advisers and Mr Wallace (Dependent Territories Adviser), I have produced a core draft covering Bermuda and the Caribbean DTs, which I attach. (We are consulting Attorneys General on the question of diminished responsibility). I should be grateful for the following from you and copy recipients of this minute:-

a) a paragaph or two from HKD to cover the special case of Hong Kong. (I have spoken to Mrs Britton of UND on this aspect and we are agreed that as far as possible we should seek to produce an answer which avoids highlighting too starkly the difference in our policy towards Bermuda and the Caribbean DTs on the one hand, and Hong Kong on the other);

b) an additional sentence or so (or suggested adjustments to the current text) from SPD to cover the Pitcairn angle;

c)

any comments from SED or FID. I appreciate that Gibraltar and Falklands no longer retain the death penalty for murder, but we should appreciate any observations which respective departments may wish to offer on Mr Rees' enclosure and the proposed draft reply.

3.

Comments and draft contributions should in my absence on 9 and 10 November reach Mr Clare of this department (270-2695) by 12 noon on 10 November. This will enable us to clear the final draft with UND before submitting to Private Office's deadline on 13 November.

8 November 1989

Peter Jony

P January

West Indian & Atlantic Department WH MZ 36

270-2631

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