TNAG-0719-FCO40-917-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 57

MKC 3801

RECEIVED IN BOOTY NO. 51

13 JAN 1978

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

HKGD

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

REGISTRY Action Taken

London SW1A 2ah

No 2 JAN 1977

PA

No

1931. &

Thank you for your letter of 30 December about the question of capital punishment in the Dependent Overseas Territories.

I am already looking at this whole question and, as I

indicated to the House on 5 December, I think this is a matter which

the whole House will wish to consider.

I am very conscious of the strength of feeling on this issue

and indeed have strong personal convictions myself. There are many factors which must be taken into account, as I indicated in my

statement to the House. But, while I believe that we must weigh up

all the factors, I agree with you that we should not simply let matters lie until the next time, and we are not doing so.

I am content for you to make this exchange public.

See (39) submission

Mr Stan Newens MP

(DAVID OWEN)