CONFIDENTIAL
5. All three courses, therefore, involve political dangers. We must act slowly and deliberately. But I believe we must now choose. If we choose the status quo we might be able to minimise the risk here by presenting the facts to Parliament and asking them to support us in a free vote. But Hong Kong would not be mollified if the vote was for abolition, and this presentational device does not avoid the underlying choice. The Governor of Hong Kong has advised that if possible we should leave the law as it is; but that if not, we should delay as long as we can, rather than take immediate steps to change the law. I give great weight to his arguments, but do not necessarily accept them as conclusive.
6. I therefore invite my colleagues:
a.
To agree that we should not force the abolition of the death penalty for murder in those Dependent Territories that have elected legislatures, with the implication set out in paragraph 2 above.
b. To advise, in relation to Hong Kong whether we should
i.
leave the law as it is;
ii.
leave the law as it is until the next serious case arises; or
iii.
take early steps to change the law.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
25 June 1973
CONFIDENTIAL
A. D-H.
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