CONFIDENTIAL
own nationals.
-
They asked us for evidence to do this but
they were not prepared to give any assurance that the death
penalty in force for murder in Turkey would not be
carried out. In the circumstances Ministers decided not to
take any action to assist them. A similar set of
circumstances is currently in play over a Moroccan national. Were the prosecutions to take place in the US however, our
attitude would probably be different.
Hong Kong Public Opinion
8.
There is no doubt that Hong Kong public opinion would not understand if we sought to stop Hong Kong from making
this evidence available. Hong Kong is a very law and order
conscious society and spectacular robberies, often commited by illegal immigrants from China, have become a major worry. Implemention of these measures in Hong Kong will therefore
be well received: even human rights activists such as
Martin Lee will need to temper any comments.
9.
It must be recognised however that human rights
activists here are likely to take issue with Hong Kong's decision. We will need to justify our agreeing Hong Kong's actions by pointing out the practical necessity of this in
Hong Kong; by flagging up the safeguards in place and by
the poncy showing that it has wide public support in Hong Kong.
८
10. Given that Hong Kong's proposals, and the safeguards
built in to the process, do not have any implications for
HMG's international legal obligations, I recommend that
ministers agree to allow Hong Kong to go ahead.
N J Cox
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CONFIDENTIAL
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