W. 21
Q
UNCLASSIFIED
Reference.....
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Mr Milton (Hong Kong & General Dept)
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY No. 51 27 MAY 179.
HKG 380/1
1. I do not concur in recommendation (a) of this draft submission so far as Belize is concerned. It proposes retaining the existing machinery and turning it into a charade which would make the Governor's position intolerable. Quite apart from the very serious reservation which the submission itself refers to (para 9(ii)), it is inevitable that, given time, it will become plain in Belize that the Governor effectivelyno longer exercises the Prerogative and he will be placed in an unacceptably exposed position.
2. I hesitate to suggest anything which might add to the complexity of the matter, but I wonder whether it would not best be resolved by arranging that the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy should be withdrawn entirely from the Governor and restored to HM The Queen. The Mercy Committee in Belize could then make its recommendation through the Governor, who would add his comments and the Secretary of State would then advise The Queen on the exercise of the Prerogative. I have discussed this with the Governor, Mr McEntee, who would be quite content with such a solution.
26 May 1977
Mr. Justin
M B Collins
Mexico and Caribbean Dept
Cc:
Mr A J Collins
Mr Bickford Legal Advisers
Miss Stoddart
WIAD
Stewart
Mh Mitten der. Sawant Ma Mython
The problem with this solution is
that it
ели
so will until amendment of Balive Letter Patent - which / under- Stand we wish to avoid.
Die Finn ford
26