CONFIDENTIAL

X

no action until we are obliged to do so. Whether we can accept

his advice, or whether we must adopt the third option of an

immediate change in the law by Order in Council, depends on a

political choice. The basic issue is whether the political

situation in the United Kingdom requires the abolition of the

death penalty in Hong Kong. The Secretary of State will wish

to consult his colleagues on this point in the light of his

discussions with Sir Y K Kan.

10. The department's legal adviser has agreed to this submission.

5 June 1973

P

agree

Copy to: PS to PUS Mr Rushford Mr Champion

Mr Evans

Case.

ACSL

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department

with Mi Stuart's presentation of the

The decision is me which only Ministers

my

take for the reaso

give

at X above

- 5 -

CONFIDENTIAL

Ku

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