TNAG-1992-FCO40-2839-Capital-punishment-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 5

'

CO YAHP

CONFIDENTIAL

From:

A R Paul

3

Hong Kong Department

Date: 18 January 1989

CC:

PS/Mr Eggar

Mr Gillmore

WIAD

Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers

Mr Hendry, Legal Advisers

Mr McLaren

PS/Lova Glenarthur

Minister

PS

MKD 380/1

23 A 198

HONG KONG:

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

IN

Problem

1.

The Governor of Hong Kong has to decide whether to commute a

death sentence imposed for a particularly brutal murder in Hong

Kong. He has asked whether it continues to be the case that

Ministers would always advise The Queen to exercise the prerogative

of mercy in the case of an appeal against sentence of death in Hong

Kong.

Recommendation

I recommend that we should confirm to the Governor that this

remains the position. Legal Advisers concur.

2.

Background

3.

The background to the present case is contained in Hong Kong

CONF IDENTIAL

/telno