26
possibility of legislation for the purpose of making it clear
that the offence created by the section in question is within
the jurisdiction of the English Courts even though committed
by a foreigner on the high seas; it will no doubt be necessary
for this purpose to be certain that the offence in question
is within the definition of piracy jure gentium, and the
attention of the Law Officers will of course be drawn to this
point. It might perhaps be as well to include in the reference
to the Law Officers a question inviting their views whether
they consider that it would be appropriate to refer the matter
to the Privy Council and, if so, to settle the questions so
to be referred.
.. Howard, Esq., OBE.,
Colonial Office,
S.W.1.
GSK/ABP
Yours sincerely,
JStuart King
r