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SECRET
This
message
Wid
стоящет
4/171
n Flo tel no, 829 of 22/8 KH.K.
To Priority Governor Hong Kong.
Following for Acting Governor from Governor.
Death Sentences.
1. I have delayed reply to your telegram 243 until
FCO could confirm my impression that Leung's case
167 was not so urgent as yourtel 902 to FCO suggested.
As they have now done this no special procedure for
this case is necessary.
2.
During my visit to London it emerged:
3*
(a) that FCO legal advice is that the death
penalty in Hong Kong could be abolished by a
United Kingdom Order in Council i.e. at
comparatively short notice (source Mr. Crowson),
(b) that it is accepted that the situation
must be avoided in which the Governor's decision
to allow the law to take its course is over-ruled
again (source Mr. Royle).
Against this background I suggest you put the
following procedure to the FCO:-
(a) After the appeals procedure is exhausted
the Governor should decide whether he would allow
the law to take its course if so advised by
Executive Council, and inform the Secretary of
State, and send the relevant papers (N.B. It is
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