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The
execution in Parliament, he would not have a majority. Since Hong Kong was a Colony, and one without an elected legislature,
there was no alternative but to accept this overriding fact.
situation might change, but for the moment Ministers would not be able to let an execution take place in Hong Kong. The Governor
could tell his Executive Council in confidence that this was the
position.
7.
In all these circumstances it seems wisest to confine
the reply, firstly, to a statement that the Secretary of State has discussed the question with the Governor, who has confirmed that opinion in Hong Kong strongly favours the use of the death penalty in extreme cases; and then, as regards a statement of HMG's policy, to say simply that the Prerogative of Mercy is delegated to the Governor, to be considered in each case as it arises.
8.
I submit a draft reply accordingly. It has been cleared with the Governor. I also submit notes for supplementaries, similarly cleared with him.
R.1. homo.
RB Crowson
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
4 July 1974
сс
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts Mr Male
GGD
+ the Sacray.
On this difficult isome
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we can and stand pat
27 Stalet
a
the castitutional
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C
Pint
gravel impair the
prction of the Govenor
the informal understanding
with the Executive Concelles
frothy because to do so would wreck it
Givenn's
a
)
ulating with his Concellors; and xanelly Recause
would be constitutionally improper
Ake to see the Parliamentary
"policy of always upnewing On the latter print, Ihmishi's may statement Sw J. Soskice
when repeal if
(flay A).
a 23. Dec. 1964, made at the hive
the dratt penalty
was
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interpolation in the U.K.
When Watin
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