TNAG-0400-FCO40-446-Review-of-the-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 65

PRIME MINISTER

PM/73/33

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Distribution

Distribution

Ho. of HKIO)

PS/MY Royle

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fir D. Watson.

Death Sentence in Hong Kong

As you know I have asked the Governor of Hong Kong to arrange for a psychiatric examination of Mr. Tsoi.

Ivor Richard came to see me yesterday and told me that there would be "one hell of a Parliamentary row" if

anyone was executed in Hong Kong. It is possible that if the Socialists and Liberals were united on this that

a censure motion would be moved and carried with the

support of our convinced abolitionists.

Let me suppose that this would be the result.

One possibility is that the British Parliament should legislate and in effect over-rule the Legislative and Executive Councils in Hong Kong. This might be deeply

resented and it could start a constitutional crisis

PERSONAL AND SECRET

THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

CLOSED UNDER FOI EXEMPTION NO. .270).

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