CONFIDENTIAL
381
Mr Stratton
stryfion
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN THE DEPENDENT OVERSEAS TERRITORIES
407 1. You have marked to me Sir A Duff's minute on this subject.
I generally agree with the main thrust of Sir A Duff's PARTE' suggestion, which is, as I interpret it,that we should not approach OAGS asking them to consider legislation to abolish capital punishment until the matter has been reconsidered by the Secretary of State's colleagues in GEN 103 and (this is my view) perhaps by Parliament. We could consult Governors to obtain their assessment of the latest position but it is certain that most, if not all, DOTS will refuse to reconsider and the attempt by us to make them do so would, I believe, tend to lead to hardening of attitudes in DOTS and reduce the chances of their acceptance without protest of any further moves taken here in the metropolitan country to deal with this problem.
2.
This minute is being prepared on the assumption that I shall not be able to discuss the matter with you today. I shall make an appointment with your PA to come in during the week after Christmas to discuss the matter with you.
21 December 1977
Jo.ß. Beaut дав.
JA B Stewart
Hong Kong & General Dept
Diremssed with
evering.
22 dec.
Mh. Stavait Past
CONFIDENTIAL
HKG. 380/1
$90.
2 2 DEC 1977
No Ex
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