Ms Falconer, MCD
CONFIDENTIAL
HKG.380/2
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 30 JUL 1979
DESK OFFICER INDEX
REGISTRY Action Taken
PA
nr
ms Ins.
1. I promised to let you have some background papers in preparation for Mr Stratton's meeting at 11.30 am on Thursday.
2. The basic guidance to Governors is in:
(a) the 1969 Memorandum on the Prerogative of Mercy
(including the Creech-Jones doctrine);
(b) circular despatch of 13 May 1971 modifying
procedures slightly;
(c) PUS's letter of 4 April 1978 confirming continu-
ation of Creech-Jones;
(d) circular Saving despatch of 3 March 1970.
3. Useful background papers, which consider the legal and constitutional complications of any change from present practice are:
(a) the 1977 paper prepared by an interdepartmental
Working Group;
and
(b) Sir I Sinclair's paper of 17 April 1968 (which
does not confine itself to the strictly legal position).
30 July 1979
CC: Mr Duff, WIAD
A E Clarke
Hong Kong and General Lepartment K245 233 4377
CONFIDENTIAL
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