TNAG-0401-FCO40-447-Review-of-the-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 21

A

T

assess that if the Government lent its full weight

to backing the Governments of denendent territories,

then the free vote would sunport MG's point of

view. If the free vote did not come out in favour,

then HMG would be in a much stronger position vis-à-vis :

Hong Kong. We would have to introduce legislation in

accordance with the will of the House to abolish the

death neralty, but it would be clear to the Government

and neonle of Hong Kong that HG had argued their case

for them and had been defeated. There would be a crisis

in relation to Hong Kong but we would have no option and

it would be much easier for IMG to ride through it.

5.

If you think that this makes sense it might be

worth including it to Dor. It would need discussing

in particular with the Lord President and Chief Whip.

It is also nossible that you could talk to Mr. Callaghan

and nut HMG's dilemma to him and see what he thought.

Pistration

Comied to:

PS/Mr. Royle

Sir D. Watson'

Mr. Wilford

Mr. Stuart (HKIOD) DTGD

CONVIDELTTAL

6 June

1973