TNAG-0374-FCO40-420-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 153

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SECRET

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION WITH SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE

11 SEPTEMBER 1973

(Reference Sir D Watson's minute to the Secretary of State of 16 August.)

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a(17)

1. STERLING

The Chancellor's message should issue before this meeting. Our approach will depend on its contents. Mr Haddon-Cave is due to leave London on 6 September, but may possibly know of the message and be able to brief the Governor before he goes.

(References: Hong Kong tel No 954, minute by Sir M MacLehose to Secretary of State of 10 August, Sir E Norris's minute of 10 August.)

2. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND INSTITUTIONS

Mr Royle agreed that he would again discuss with the Governor the possibility of outside help for Hong Kong. The tactics will depend on the sterling question, but Mr Holland has suggested that we should also first talk to the Treasury and the Bank. There may be little time for the latter between the Chancellor's message and the meeting with the Governor.

(References: Minutes by Mr Holland, Mr Wilford and Sir D Watson.)

3. NATIONALITY

Action rests with Sir E Norris's Committee.

4. DEATH PENALTY

Telegram to Hong Kong agreeing to the time framework suggested by the Governor awaits approval by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State has commented that the DOPC's support for the Governor was on the basis that the decision to let the law take its course would only be taken in extreme cases. This underlines the point in our telegram that we may want to have further consultations with Hong Kong after we receive the first notice of the Governor's intention, but before we have to decide what to do. The point may, however, need strengthening.

SECRET

/5. SAS/HONG KONG