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to a desion in their own deliberate judgement, which may
somet les conflict with local opinion.
4. Cases are likely to arise soon, in the Turks and Caicos
Islands and in the British Virgin Islands where the
Governor's decision will be necessary. The Governor of the
British Virgin Islands in particular is concerned at the
responsibility involved. If he decides to commute, we may
have to support him with a show of force if necessary as in
1978.
5.
I will keep you informed as events progress. I see no
reason to alter the decision which I took in February of
this year to continue our policy of not legislating on
against their wishes. domestic matters for the dependencies! But you and the
recipients of this minute will wish to be aware that that
decision carries difficulties and may cause political prob-
lems here and in the territories concerned. I am sure that
those problems can be contained but they are likely to
cause considerable strength of feeling while they last.
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