(17259) Dd.897459 250m 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
(16941) Dd.897300 250m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.363
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public. Both we and you will doubtless be asked about
the position.
A statement that there was to be no
change in the law would doubtless have a beneficial
effect in, Hong Kong, and if another execution does take
place you will want to ensure in advance that it does
not take people by surprise.
But equally we should
avoid an unnecessary row in this country, and a
statement of this kind would be doubly dangerous if it
was in fact followed by a further reprieve by The-
Queen. it is difficult to weigh the advantages without
being certain of the future. But I do not think we
need hurry this. I therefore suggest that we leave
the question of public statements over for discussion
with you here and that meanwhile you stress to your
advisers that whatever you tell them is in strict
confidence and is not to go further.
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