M
I understand that intervention by
the Secretary of State in a case of this kind
is only undertaken in the most exceptional
circumstances.
It is impossible to determine
to what extent (if any) the Secretary of State
would be prepared to intervene in the present
case without a full knowledge of the facts.
The noteworthy features of the case are:-
(1)
that the Jury at the first trial were
unable to agree;
(2)
that the Jury at the second trial
strongly recommended mercy; and
(3)
that the Bishop of Hong Kong is
sufficiently disturbed in his own mind at the
possibility of injustice being done to be
prompted to write direct to the Secretary of
State asking him personally to review the case.
The Bishop's letter should, of course,
have been submitted through the Governor, but
if it is decided to review the case the need
for taking immediate steps to that end is
urgent and we should
(1)
? telegraph to the Governor
saying that a letter has been
received from the Bishop
(a) to the affect that notwithstanding
a strong recommendation for mercy by the
Jury the Governor, after consideration of
the case in Executive Council, has felt
& reprieve
himself unable to parton Ng Loi Yuen who
is under sentence of death for murder, and
(b) requesting the Secretary of State
personally to review the case of which
details