TNAG-0441-FCO40-506-Visits-of-leading-personalities-of-Hong-Kong-to-UK-1974 — Page 59

CONFIDENTIAL

Can I

пливит

Parliament?

Do I say

we have reached

но

Conclusion?

If the anter for assurance

no abolition.

Ministers.

In accordance with contingency plans agreed with us

he would not then take his formal decision for 8 weeks after

consulting Executive Council. We therefore have a little time to

consider the wider implications.

6. The possibility of abolishing the death penalty altogether

has not however been discussed with Hong Kong Executive Council

and should not be referred to. Sir Y K Kan will also not be aware

of the details of the Liu Chu case and this likewise should not be

discussed.

Line to Take

7. The queen reprieved Tsoi on the advice of the Foreign and

Commonwealth Secretary. There were special factors which led to

this decision. The death penalty remains part of the existing law

of Hong Kong. Cases will continue to be considered on their

individual merits.

8. (If pressed) It is of course possible for the Hong Kong

Government (or HMG under the general constitutional powers of the

Crown) to change the law. But any such step, if it ever took place,

would have to be very carefully considered on general grounds.

Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department

11 January 1974

CONFIDENTIAL