2.
Arthur /
Creech-Jones, the then Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1947. The context of that policy statement was consistent with the British Government's committment to the phasing out of British direct intervention in the management of colonies
moving to Independence.
It was NOT a declaration that would prevent any British Government from acting honourably in the sight of informed public opinion either at home or internationally particularly in defence of human lives. Our Government cannot hide behind the failure to grant Independence while retaining responsibilities under a so called transitional constitutional stage, and then failing to exercise those poweres
particularly reserved for control by our representative
the Governor.
The correspondence in The TIMES (December 10 and 19) from Lord Thurlow a former Governor of the THE BAHAMAS while still a colony at a comparable stage of transition, and Michael Stewart also a former Secretary of State for the Colonies of that era, concerning British intervantion in the Nairn murder case, to save a human life redounds to the credit of any British Government. Indeed the Bermuda Premier and the Governor Ramsbottom had all the authority to stop the
executions were they so motivated. But that would be too much to expect! It certainly provides no excuse for your not applying your influence, protests and indeed directions directly to protect the lives of these two British citizens. As has been shown repeatedly British armed forces were constitutionally available to protect the lives of Burrows and Tacklyn as Bermudans. It is not a matter of new legislation.
Our Government's true course should be (a) to implemer immediately the UN resolutions on the total abolition off all colonialism, and (b) use our immense influence and authority thereafter for the protection of human life throughout the world and speed on the highest aims of all sincere socialists.
Yours
faithfully,
Stan Newens.
Joney.
ary. Gilbert..
Tony Gilbert
A
CHAIRMAN:
..GENERAL SECRETARY
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