Remember A Day | British princess feels pinch, Malaysia’s hard line on refugees and politician cleared in murder-plot trial: headlines from 40 years ago
- A journey back through time to look at significant news and events reported by the South China Morning Post from this week in history
A popular British politician being cleared of conspiracy to murder charges and a cash-strapped British princess selling her jewellery made the headlines four decades ago this week.
June 17, 1979
● Princess Margaret sold seven items of jewellery at a London auction, fetching a total of £11,600. Her office declined to comment on her financial position but said she no longer wanted to wear the pieces being offered – five brooches, one pendant and a pair of earrings.
● The security forces in Hong Kong were to be given wider powers so that they could more effectively tackle the massive influx of mainland Chinese illegal immigrants and Vietnamese refugees. These powers would enable authorities to take legal action against racketeers and ocean-going vessels engaged in the smuggling of illegal immigrants.