CONFIDENTIAL
IMMEDIATE
<<<<
Bermuda, you will be able to tell him that it will not, and
that primary legislation would be required to abolish capital punishment in Bermuda unless the Bermuda Legislature itself
took action. You should repeat what we have already told him
that we would prefer a decision on the way forward in Bermuda
to lie in Bermudian hands, and therefore express the hope that
the government will take appropriate action in the light of
what we have done elsewhere.
6. Tortola only. Mr Lennox-Boyd will also take up the issue
personally with Lavity Stoutt when the Chief Minister calls on
him on 11 March.
7. Montserrat and Anguilla only. Mrs Chalker will be briefed
to defend our decision when she visits Montserrat and Anguilla on 6 and 7 March respectively. Meanwhile Chamberlain may if asked by his colleagues at this week's meeting of Attorneys
General say that Ministers have considered the question of
abolition and that the outcome of their deliberations will be
conveyed as soon as possible to DT governments.
8.
Hong Kong only. No further action on your part would appear to be required.
HURD
YYYY
ΜΑΙΝ
LIMITED
WIAD
HKD
LACAD, ODA
NEWS DEPT
LEGAL ADVISERS
UND