TNAG-0603-FCO40-751-Capital-punishment-in-Dependent-Territories-1977 — Page 78

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certificates of competency held by Masters, First Officers and Chief Engineers on Bermuda-registered ships.

14.

Commenting on a point raised by Mr Gibbons, Mr Rowlands confirmed that there was no UK objection to direct contacts between the Bermuda Government and other countries, (Canada and the USA amongst others) on matters which would benefit Bermuda.

15. Turning to the question of capital punishment, and with reference to the appeal on behalf of Tacklyn due to be considered by the Privy Council on 6 October, Mr Rowlands reminded Mr Gibbons that capital punishment had been abolished in the UK and that any carrying out of the death penalty in dependent territories would cause embarrassment to the British Government. Mr Gibbons commented that the rejection of a private member's Bill some years ago proposing the abolition of capital punishment in Bermuda had provided evidence that the retention of the death penalty was generally supported. Bermudians considered that capital punishment was necessary in some cases. Mr Wilkinson commented that no hangings had taken place in Bermuda since 1943.

The meeting ended at 12.40 pm.

Distribution

PS/Mr Rowlands Mr Cortazzi

Mr Stratton

Mr Macoun (OPA)

West Indian & Atlantic Dept

Defence Dept

Hong Kong & General Dept

PUSD

Cabinet Office Assessments Staff

Sir P Ramsbotham, Governor, Bermuda

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COM TULALIL

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