TNAG-0721-FCO40-919-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 7

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

The Hon. Sir Peter Ramsbotham, GCMG, GCVO Hamilton

24 March 1978

19

Dear Peter,

THE CREECH JONES DOCTRINE

1.

We expect that the Office will shortly be sending a letter to all Governors where the death penalty is still in force explaining that Ministers have decided for the time being not to go ahead with the formal review of the Creech Jones doctrine, foreshadowed by the Secretary of State in the House on 5 December.

2. Because your Royal Commission is about to start I thought it right to take advantage of to-day's bag to give you advance warning of what is now being proposed. This is disappointing to all of us.

Professor Banton

3. I hope all goes well with the Commission. looks like being a great asset and we are particularly pleased at the choice of Alan Powell to be Lord Pitt's Private Secretary.

{

HKC 386

RECES

29 MAR 1978

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

No

10. 51

MA

DECISTRY Action Taken

Be

Hours

ever

May 2

HAH Cortazzi

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL