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6.
A reversion to allowing the law to take its course in
Hong Kong would, in the Governor's view, cause serious difficulties.
There would be protests from the small abolitionist lobby and
pressure on MPs. There could well be a debate in Parliament.
The Governor would be in a difficult position if he decided to
allow the law to take its course and was subsequently overruled
following discussion in Parliament.
7.
Different treatment of Hong Kong and the other territories
would still be something of an anomaly but could be justified
on the political grounds that Hong Kong does not have an elected
legislature.
CONFIDENTIAL