TNAG-0715-FCO40-911-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-4 — Page 50

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

So it seems it all boils down to 1) Full independence despite

the difficulties or 2) Continue as we are, despite the difficulties. The old adage when in doubt do nothing is not one with which

I normally agree, but it may apply here.

But if we are to accept that powers given away cannot be withdrawn and that with this class of territory we have to live with the situation as it is, then it will be necessary to he firm, drawing a line which will be understood and which we are prepared to back.

K

Take for instance the issue of capital punishment which has caused disquiet both in Bermuda and in the Virgin Islands. I well remember inviting Ministers in Dominica to consider abolishing capital punishment at HNG's request. They refused, considering it necessary in Dominica to have such a deterrent. Shortly after I had to decide whether to reprieve a murderer - it was just prior to the Queen's visit in 1966. The guidelines then - very succinctly were that personal distaste should not override the law if no other reason for reprieve could be found. So the murderer (part- icularly brutal and premeditated) was hung. There was no remon- strance from IMG and no local disturbance. Subsequently there were other murderers executed perhaps 3 altogether in my time. My point is this: either you allow dependent territories to exercise their discretion in this and do not remonstrate when they use it:

if it is repugnant to HMG that capital punishment should exist in any of the territories for which it is responsible, then legislate to abolish it and meanwhile let it be known to local Governments that Governments are instructed to reprieve all Capital Cases. If the line is firmly set and territories reminded that as long as they remain dependent (at their own wish) there is a line to be observed, argument should end and local displeasure at the Governors action should be transferred from the Governor to "them" in London. Dependency confers obligations on the territories as well as benefits and politicians should be reminded of this. Personally I would be exceedingly cautious about agreeing to any further devolution of powers to them unless independence is firmly in sight.

or,

I am sorry if I have not been very helpful with this intractable problem. But it occurs to me to wonder why, with the consequences of our previous policies bearing so painfully on us, we are concerned to trouble the scene in St Helena, and attempt to alter the pattern of voting and representation when there is no local demand for it.

Yours ever

(signed) Geoffrey

Of course, none of the above refers to St Helena which does not have these problems and for which ultimate integration into the UK is the only answer.

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PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

AND CONFIDE