TNAG-0722-FCO40-920-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 42

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27 Apr

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LETTERS FROM MINISTERS

7.

A number of letters from the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers was laid before the Committee. Most were simply noted. In the case of a letter to the International Secretary from Dr Owen about a contribution to the work of Christian care in Rhodesia, Miss Joan Lestor said that she was still not satisfied that the money could not have been channelled through the International Defence and Aid Fund. After some discussion it was agreed to approach the Secretary of State again about this issue.

8. Mrs Judith Hart's letter of 22 May about the situation in Bolivia was noted but the Committee agreed to write to Mrs Hart saying that before reinstating the aid project she should study the evidence very carefully and seek the views of the National Union of Mineworkers about the position of their Bolivian comrades.

9.

The meeting considered Dr Owen's letter (undated in the version circulated) which referred to a resolution from the West Derbyshire CLP on capital punishment in the dependent territories. After some discussion it was agreed that the position was not satisfactory and that Dr Owen should be invited to be more specific about policy on capital punishment in the dependent territories. In particular he should be asked when he considered would be an "appropriate time" for reconsidering the matter, as promised in the letter.

10. Dr Owen's letter of 26 June to Ms Little on nuclear power sources in satellites was noted and Mr Frank Allaun expressed appreciation for it.

MIDDLE EAST POLICY

11.

After some discussion it was agreed that the International Committee should discuss with the Secretary of State the possibility of Britain playing a role in the next round of peace talks between the Egyptians and the Israelis. It was agreed that I would let Mr Mikardo know whether Dr Owen would be prepared to discuss this subject together with other matters under discussion at the meeting with the International Committee delegation on Thursday 13 July. If this was not possible a separate meeting would be sought.

RELATIONS WITH SOUTHERN AFRICA

12. After some discussion, in response to a report of the Southern Africa Study Group, it was agreed that the International Committee seek a meeting with Mr Dell and Dr Owen to discuss our trading relations with South Africa, probably in the autumn.

13.

It was agreed that if Mr Robert Mugabe should visit London in the near future the Labour Party should be prepared to see him and

talk to him.

RELATIONS WITH COMMUNIST PARTIES AND COMMUNIST COUNTRIES

14. A short paper was prepared by the Secretariat (attached) but in view of lack of time it was agreed that the Committee should reconvene at 4.00 pm on Monday 17 July in order to consider this question separately.

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