TNAG-0445-FCO40-510-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 143

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Hong Kong.

of Hong Kong.

The latter is almost inconceivable in the content An Order-in-Council would be better, but would

still lead to a constitutional and political conflict.

8.

In the Governor's view, what would meet the overwhelming wish of the population of Hong Kong, and what he would adviso on its merits, is the re-application of the Creech Jones doctrine. But the essential proviso here is of course that Ministers should feel able to abide by such an undertaking in practice.

At our meeting, you said that you had misgivings on this last point, in the light of political realities in the UK. An execution in Hong Kong would not pass unnoticed, and the Secretary of State would

have to face criticism.

9.

Every available option thus contains powerful counter arguments. If it was possible for you and the Secretary of Bloke to discuss these considerations with the Governor during his visik from 17-24 June, I believe this would be valuable and help us towards a decision.

11 June 1974

Copies to:

Private Secretary PS/IUS

Mr Malo

Mr Larmour

Mr Stuart Mr Champion Mr Rushford

(Duncan Watson)

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