TNAG-0719-FCO40-917-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 155

From: Stan Newens, M.P.

- 3 JAN 1978

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HKG 386/1 388)

RECEIV

12 JAN 1978

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LONDON SWIA OAA

10. 51OUSE OF COMMONS

INDEX

No

PA

REGISTRY

Action Taken

SL

El

The Rt. Hon. David Owen, M.P.,

Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, 1. Acknowledgement

Foreign and Commonwealth Office,

London, S.V.1.

Whitehall,

Dear David,

2. Secremy of Ciate

४.

709

ALLOCATION SECTION

30th December, 1977.

See (39) sub.

See (52) reply.

ta seg has not see Seen

3. ...HAKYS Department for s/s

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Gossing Rehabs

You will recall that, along with a number of our colleagues, I was in touch with you about the executions which took place on 2nd December in Bermuda. As I understood the position, you were prepared to consider whether or not the Creech Jones formula should be abrogated but did not wish to do so in the heat of the moment. I further had the impression that you had not made up your mind as to the best way to proceed, even if you came to the conclusion that the procedure should be changed.

I would like to press you on this point, now that the immediate heat which was generated by the executions has subsided, to come to an early decision on this issue. The number of people who signed the Early Day motion which I put down in the House of Commons, and the breadth of the spectrum from which they came, surely suggests that it would not be difficult to get the backing of the House of Commons in any action which you determine upon to change the situation in line with what the motion suggested.

If the matter is left until another case arises you might feel, once again, that there are compelling reasons for remaining aloof. This makes it all the more sensible, in my view, to take action before this occurs.

Even so, I would still argue that even with the Creech Jones formula as it now stands it would be possible to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

As you will be aware, this is the view that the Bermudian authorities have since taken. If you do not accept this, it only strengthens the case for taking urgent action to get rid of the Creech Jones formula.

I look forward to receiving a letter from you in due course, and should be grateful if you would indicate whether or not it would be open to me to communicate any correspondence to the press.

Yours sincerely,

Stan News

Stan Newens.