TNAG-2360-FCO40-3431-Visit-by-John-Major--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--Septem-1991 — Page 27

Crime

CONFIDENTIAL

There have recently been some spectacular armed

robberies and an upsurge in organised crime in Hong Kong.

Although overall crime in Hong Kong is low, law and order is always a prime concern of the public. The Hong Kong Government has recently unveiled legislation designed to target criminal organisations. The Organised Crime Bill,

derived from US legislation designed to tackle the mafia, is tough and includes provisions which shift the burden

of proof to the suspects. Meanwhile cross-border

cooperation with Guangdong is improving eg over import of

PRC fire-arms and smuggling into China.

If raised, the Prime Minister could say:

Glad that Royal Hong Kong Police are working closely

with Guangdong authorities to solve the weapons problem.

world.

Hong Kong is still one of the safest cities in the

White Paper on Organised Crime deserves close

attention: public should express their views.

BCCI, bank-runs and banknotes

L

The Hong Kong Banking Commission left BCC (HK) open

for one extra business day after BCCI's UK and US operations closed on 5 July. Officials said the Hong

Kong operations were sound. The decision was then

reversed. The authorities acted properly, but depositors

CONFIDENTIAL