TNAG-0723-FCO40-921-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 59

9.

Independence

We have noted the Report's conclusion that Bermuda should move

We continue to believe that this a matter for

to independence.

the people of Bermuda to decide and I understand that the

Bermuda Government will be publishing a White Paper on the

subject in the near future. Independence is not one of the

issues my honourable Friend discussed during his recent visit.

DEFENSIVE

THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S ATTITUDE TO CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN THE

DEPENDENT TERRITORIES

10. As I told the House on 19 January, my right honourable

Friend the Secretary of State has suggested that Parliament

might wish to debate this in its entirety.

However the Government

are still considering when and how it would be best to arrange

this.

THE EXECUTIONS OF BURROWS AND TACKLYN SHOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN PLACE

11. As my right honourable Friend the Secretary of State

explained in another place on 5 December 1977, the decision not

to advise Her Majesty to intervene was taken in accordance with

the policy laid down by the then Secretary of State for the

Colonies, Mr Arthur Creech-Jones. The Government had particularly

in mind the decision by the Bermuda House of Assembly in 1975

to retain capital punishment.

THE HANGINGS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE DISTURBANCES

12. The executions of Burrows and Tacklyn were the trigger for

the disturbances but the Report points out that a variety of

factors could have served to precipitate disorder.