TNAG-0603-FCO40-751-Capital-punishment-in-Dependent-Territories-1977 — Page 87

1. Acknowledgement

3.

seen

Secretary of State has not.

MKG.

KG. Department for draft reply from $/S.

$/5.... SG14/12

HKG.380/1

INDEX

No

HOUSE OF COMMONS

LONDON SWIA OAA

14DEC170m "oan Lestor MP

on luke.

David

14 DEC 1977

на

349

10

11

9

3

4

705

ALLOCATION SECTION

12/12/77

Sed 378) and 385

I enclose a letter from a constituent regarding Bermuda and the recent hangings.

When I was in the Foreign Office I was told we had no power whatever to stop capital punishment in these areas. This arose over Desmond Trotter in Dominica. I

now understand this is not strictly true and that it is custom, not law, that makes us reluctant to interfere.

I would appreciate your comments on the letter from Mr Franks and also on my points.

All the enquiries regarding Bermuda resulted in the same attitude and it is imperative that the situation is absolutely clear as other incidents may arise.

Yours sincerely

Joan estor

Rt.Hon David Owen MP

Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Office.