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10.
Question (d). Where does this lead us? Surely, it should lead to a change in the law if, as appears to be the case, the Secretary of State will not support an execution in any circumstances. I do not think that, at this stage, I need consider the ways in which the change might be made. But I believe that it must be changed.
11.
To summarise, firstly, I have to warn you that Unofficial Members may well reject the LIU Chu formula in Executive Council in this case, though the Colonial Secretary's assessment is that there will be just enough support to enable the Governor to commute without him being obliged to do so against majority advice. The public reaction is more difficult to assess. It is possible that a decision to commute might be accepted calmly, simply because this is what everyone cynically expects; but a really adverse reaction, giving rise to feelings of hostility to HMG, cannot be ruled out. Secondly, I believe it is right to remind you again of the impossible position in which the Governor (and his advisers) are placed by the present impasse.
12.
The Colonial Secretary has seen this letter and approved its despatch to you. The Governor has not seen it, but asked me to write along these lines.
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John.
(J.W.D. Hobley) Attorney General.
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