CONFIDENTIAL
118/2
5. Dependent Territories Departmental Practice says that
Royal Commissions on the internal affairs of a Dependent
Territory have not been appointed from the United Kingdom for
many years. The procedure for setting up such a Commission
would be as in Volume 2, Part 1, Paragraph 9(i) of Diplomatic Procedure (copy attached). A Commission apprints by HMG would be simpler.
6. In talking to the Governor, Mr Royle will doubtless wish
to ask him what his reaction to either proposal would be.
Clearly a decision on whether to adopt either would be strongly
influenced by the Governor's views. But if in the end we are
going to appoint a Commission, it would I think be better to
do so soon, rather than be seen to do so only when the pressure
for one had become irresistible and after we had gone on
refusing one.
7. I attach a copy of my submission on the Godber case to
Mr Grattan; and of the Blair-Kerr Report.
8 August 1973
CC:
Overseas Police Adviser
CONFIDENTIAL
2.1. Conser
R B Crowson
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department