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CONFIDENTIAL
Reference..
Mr Rushford (Legal Adviser) (K 188)
HONG KONG: DEATH PENALTY
HK K14/16
1657
I understand that ir Crowson discussed with
you briefly the Governor's latest telegram (No 840). (6)
We shall need to submit on this when the Secretary
of State returns from Ottawa. Meanwhile copies are being sent to Mr Royle in Gloucestershire.
We should be grateful for your comments on the Governor's telegram. In particular we should be grateful for your advice on the question of the time factor for legislation paragraph 6 (B) of the Governor's telegram. (1
What the Governor seems to be saying is that if we are unfortunate enough to be faced with another Tsoi case, where he is unable to grant a reprieve, then he could not countenance being overruled again by HIG.
In those circumstances, he would prefer that the death penalty should be abolished in advance of his decision and he has promised to give us 8 weeks notice of any such cases.
P.M. Kelly
P. M. Kelly (Miss)
HKIOD
(K 245 MA x 632)
3 August 1973.
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(17293) 897465 400m 1/73 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
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