TNAG-0723-FCO40-921-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 13

CODE 18 - 77

lir Clarke HKGD

COVERING SECRET

Reference

296

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN DEPENDENT TERRITORIES

1.

Thank you for showing me your draft submission and 293) telegram to Hamilton. I agree with the line taken and

have no amendment to suggest to the telegram.

2. I have two thoughts which do not affect what you are now proposing but ought at some time to be taken into the departments' thinking on this:

a) the thought that the act of making the advice of a local minister on the prerogative of mercy binding on the Governor might be seen in some way to derogate from the ultimate Royal Prerogative;

b) if a change on the lines Sir Peter Ramsbotham advocates were accepted for Bermuda it would of course have to apply to all dependent territories.

2. I return your files Nos HKG 380/1 (Part D), HKG 380/1 (Part E) and HKG 380/2

29 November 1978

In the haven

Par

PC Duff

West Indian and Atlantic Department

- I do not think these comments need affect ow sluiission since we are not at this time considering

making the change.

MICC 386/1

"

GMY KO. 51

4DEC 1978

DESK OFFICER INDEX

PA

No

REGISTRY Action Taken

PL

W.E.Qatill

29/11

COVERING SECRET