CONFIDENTIAL
Can I
пливит
Parliament?
Do I say
we have reached
но
Conclusion?
If the anter for assurance
no abolition.
Ministers.
In accordance with contingency plans agreed with us
he would not then take his formal decision for 8 weeks after
consulting Executive Council. We therefore have a little time to
consider the wider implications.
6. The possibility of abolishing the death penalty altogether
has not however been discussed with Hong Kong Executive Council
and should not be referred to. Sir Y K Kan will also not be aware
of the details of the Liu Chu case and this likewise should not be
discussed.
Line to Take
7. The queen reprieved Tsoi on the advice of the Foreign and
Commonwealth Secretary. There were special factors which led to
this decision. The death penalty remains part of the existing law
of Hong Kong. Cases will continue to be considered on their
individual merits.
8. (If pressed) It is of course possible for the Hong Kong
Government (or HMG under the general constitutional powers of the
Crown) to change the law. But any such step, if it ever took place,
would have to be very carefully considered on general grounds.
Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department
11 January 1974
CONFIDENTIAL