See 326
CA.DA.CLARKE Ccember-Ward 1
COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20004
HKG 386/1
70. 51
12DEC 1977
November 26, 1977
RECEIVED
DESK OFFIČÍR INDEX
No
REGISTRY Action Taken
His Excellency Peter Jay Embassy of Great Britain Washington, D. C.
Your Excellency:
In
I have read of the decision of the Queen to deny commu- tation of the death sentences imposed upon those convicted of the murder of the governor of Bermuda. I have given great respect to the need to afford discretion to individual governments within a commonwealth and to the propriety of my commenting on the conduct of your nation's affairs. so doing I have caused myself to examine whether I would be of the same opinion if my national leader had been murdered and, given that I am an elected official myself, I have considered whether I would have the same concern regarding any who might take my life. In both cases, I would be as strongly convinced as I am in regard to the matter in Ber- muda. Therefore I feel that I am within the bounds of pro- priety and consistency to write you regarding this matter.
Life itself is so basic that it must be either affirmed or denied. The conduct of the condemned denied life, but their deaths will not constitute an affirmation of life. Rather they will constitute a reiteration that tht taking of life is an acceptable mode for effecting justice which may well have been the subjective premise upon which their mis- deeds were based. In the United States, we are learning, albeit slowly and with some internal resistance, that the death penalty is no deterrent and may well itself encourage the commission of capital crime.
Therefore I urge in the name of mercy and enlightened justice that, as a leading sovereign in the world, you affirm the principle of life and commute the sentences of your condemned.
I am sharing a copy of the Resolution Against the Death Penalty unaminously passed by our Council last year.
Sincerely,
The All Se
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