CODE 18 - 77
lir Clarke HKGD
COVERING SECRET
Reference
296
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN DEPENDENT TERRITORIES
1.
Thank you for showing me your draft submission and 293) telegram to Hamilton. I agree with the line taken and
have no amendment to suggest to the telegram.
2. I have two thoughts which do not affect what you are now proposing but ought at some time to be taken into the departments' thinking on this:
a) the thought that the act of making the advice of a local minister on the prerogative of mercy binding on the Governor might be seen in some way to derogate from the ultimate Royal Prerogative;
b) if a change on the lines Sir Peter Ramsbotham advocates were accepted for Bermuda it would of course have to apply to all dependent territories.
2. I return your files Nos HKG 380/1 (Part D), HKG 380/1 (Part E) and HKG 380/2
29 November 1978
In the haven
Par
PC Duff
West Indian and Atlantic Department
- I do not think these comments need affect ow sluiission since we are not at this time considering
making the change.
MICC 386/1
"
GMY KO. 51
4DEC 1978
DESK OFFICER INDEX
PA
No
REGISTRY Action Taken
PL
W.E.Qatill
29/11
COVERING SECRET