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no final decision in such case, though a very serious one is
pending.
4.
A hanging in Hong Kong would almost certainly cause political
The Hong Kong Government coulch abolish the death sentence in Hong 16g land,
Executive Courices was unwillis maten once thing.
trouble in the UK.
But For HMG to abolish the death penalty in the
Citself
Colony would require an Order-in-Council.
This could itself cause
trouble in Parliament.
confidence in Hong Kong. None of these results is in the Colony's
interest. The Governor has therefore discussed the situation
informally with his Executive Council, with the results described
in his attached Personal telegram to Sir D Watson no. 365.
Abolition would also bring about a crisis of
5.
Under the Royal Instructions and Letters Patent, the Governor
has to consider a reprieve in each case as it arises. He cannot
make a general decision of principle.
It would thus be improper,
as well, perhaps, as raising strong protests in Hong Kong, if any
hint of his understanding with ExCo became public. He also makes
the point that, for the same reasons, his decision cannot be
binding. It is, however, clear that in practice we can count on
capital cases being reprieved in Hong Kong for the foreseeable future.
This is certainly the most effective way to avoid political trouble
both in London and in Hong Kong, and the Governor has done well to
carry his Executive Council with him.
6.
I recommend that we should tell him so in reply to his
Personal telegram.
7.
The residual problem would then be to decide what to say in
Parliament in answer to questions, remembering the overriding
importance of avoiding any reference to the Governor's decision.
MPs of both parties are informed on the subject and interested.
/The Governor
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