TNAG-0721-FCO40-919-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 176

Mrs C Smith

Secretary

Dronfield Labour Party

3 Wilson Street

Dronfield

Nr Sheffield

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

31 January 1978

HKG.380/1

RECEIVED

STRY NO. 51

- 1 FEB 1978

DESK OFFIC: INDEX

PA

S18 6SP

N.

J.J

93

Dear inro

ino Saminin

REGIS: Action Take

&

Thank you for your letter dated 13 January concerning matters in Bermuda.

Since the introduction of a new constitution in 1968, which was amended in 1973, Bermuda has had an advanced form of internal self-government and the British Government retain responsibility only for defence, external affairs, internal security and the police. British troops were despatched to Bermuda at the request of the Governor, who is responsible to the British Government for internal security. His request was made with the full support of the Bermuda Government.

As to independence, I should explain that it has been the policy of successive British Governments to promote self- government and independence in the Dependent Territories in The Bermuda accordance with the wishes of the inhabitants. Government issued a Green Paper on independence in the middle of last year which has been the subject of public discussion in Bermuda. A White Paper will follow once the wishes of the people of Bermuda have been ascertained. If they prove to be in favour of full independence the British Government would not wish to stand in their way.

بشه

Yours me

David Stephen

Political Adviser

132