or the Governor. It was eventually decided that the rule should be absolute in its operation vis-a-vis dependencies as in its application to independent Commonwealth countries.
The only way to change the situation so as to catch Godber would be to change the Fugitive Offenders Act retrospectively. This would obviously create serious problems, since, as you know, Parliament is generally suspicious of retrospective legislation, or legislation designed to deal with a single case. Moreover on the general question, some would argue that a person should not be returned from this country to face trial for what we do not here regard as a crime.
We are considering this whole question vory carefully, and I discussed the problem at length with Murray Maciehose. We may yet be able to find a way round these difficulties, but I am not hopeful that it will bring a solution in the case of Coaber. I will get in touch with you again when we have reached a conclusion.
I am returning the enclosure to your letter.
Sir John Tilney, M.P.,
House of Commons,
London,
S.W.1.
- 2.
Anthony Royle
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