TNAG-0445-FCO40-510-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 30

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Hong Kong and the EEC

4.

Sir Murray MacLehose said that Mr Callaghan's statement on 4 June was very much welcomed in Hong Kong. Mr Callaghan replied that HMG would continue to insist on eliminating discrimina- tion against our own Colony.

A Chinese Representative in Hong Kong

5.

Mr Callaghan said that he was content to leave the

present policy undisturbed for the time being. It could be

discussed when the Governor returned to the UK towards the end of

the year.

Death Sentences

6.

Sir Murray MacLehose said that this was a point of major importance in Hong Kong. He must advise that, from the point of view of Hong Kong, the Creech Jones formula of backing for the Governor's decision should be reaffirmed. He accepted that this was a question of great difficulty for British Ministers. His informal understanding with Executive Council had so far enabled reprieves to be agreed within Hong Kong. But he was not certain

that this understanding would hold.

7.

Mr Callaghan replied that if he had to try to defend

a Hong Kong execution in Parliament, he would not have a majority. Since Hong Kong was a colony, there was no alternative but to accept this overriding fact. The situation might change, but for the moment UK Ministers would not be able to let an execution take place in Hong Kong. He agreed that the Governor might tell his Executive Council in confidence that this was the position.

8.

If Hong Kong had had an elected government, it would have been easier to defend their decision to carry out an execution. But

a referendum would not be enough, since it would not remove the Secretary of State's responsibility. There was thus no prospect of a statement reaffirming the Creech Jones formula, though he did

not know what we would do if a confrontation situation arose.

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department

1 July 1974

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