TNAG-0402-FCO40-448-Review-of-the-death-sentence-in-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 57

(17259) Dd.897459 250m 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863 (16941) Dd.897300 250m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

CONFIDENTIAL

public.

Both we and you will doubtless be asked about

the position. A statement that there was to be no

change in the law would doubtless have a beneficial

against the possiblet of a future

Jams effect in Hong Kong; and if another execution does take executio, it would be desmably

piece you will want to ensure in advance that it does.

whe nut talen

jwe use

it canke But equally we should Renewal of cantiwersy

not take people by surprise.

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d an unnecessary row in this country, and we have to the roo of the pithet consequences

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statement of this kind would be dopbly dangerous if it

whe

was

isbe

in fact followed by a further reprieve by The

choice.

Queen. it is difficult to weigh the gevanteres without

being certain of the future. But I do not, think we

theh thanise

lers

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need hurry this. I therefore suggest that we leave

•

the question of public statements over for discussion

with you here and that meanwhile you stress to your

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advisers that whatever you tell them is in strict

confidence and is not to go further.

CONFIDENTIAL