TNAG-2084-FCO40-2969-Death-penalty-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 9

FCS/90/222

CONFIDENTIAL

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

(62

pa.

1413/12

Mr Lennox-Boyd

Ps/Lord Caithness

HK. B 380/

Mr Mclare

1990

Mr Besimish WIAD

Legal Advisers

PRY

Anelles 13/12

Dependent Territories: Capital Punishment

Introduction

1.

I have been reviewing the case for taking action to

abolish capital punishment in those of our Dependent Territories where the death penalty for murder is still retained. This paper is written in anticipation of a vote against capital punishment in the United Kingdom on Monday,

17 December. Because the capital punishment debate has been

brought forward we have to act fast. The Chief Whip

recommends that action be taken on this matter as soon as

possible after the debate, namely by Christmas.

2.

The last execution in a Dependent Territory was in 1977, but there are twelve cases pending, any one of which could result in an execution. In Anguilla a decision by the Governor on an execution date is already overdue, and in the

Caymans, where five cases are pending, a new gallows has just been completed, and graves have been dug.

3. I believe that we would face considerable criticism in

Parliament and in the media if any execution did take place. We cannot simply rely upon the personal decision of the

/Governors

CONFIDENTIAL

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