TNAG-0724-FCO40-922-Policy-on-use-of-Prerogative-of-Mercy-1978 — Page 45

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CONFIDENTIAL

23 FEB 1978

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Call on the Secretary of State by the Governor of Bermuda, Sir Peter Ramsbotham, - Wednesday 8 February at 3.00 pm

Goronwy - Roberts

The Secretary of State saw the Governor of Bermuda this afternoon. Much of the discussion repeated points covered in the briefs and in the papers prepared by Sir P Ramsbotham which you had submitted (the economy, the Premier and Leader of the Opposition, the arrangements for the Royal Commission and the appointment of Lord Pitt, the internal situation and the impact of the troubles on the economy and therefore internal stability, the boundary demarcation issue, Bermudian/Canadian relations, US strategic interests in Bermuda etc.).

Particular points which you will wish to note are the Secretary of State's agreement to a suggestion from the Governor that, on the question of independence, he could say to the Premier that HMG would not stand in Bermuda's way if the Bermudians wished for independence but would/push them in that direction if they did not want it. The Secretary of State confirmed that this was broadly his view though he could not exclude, if there were further trouble, that there might be pressure in the UK to speed up independence. However, he regarded the issue of independence as primarily one for choice by Bermuda.

In the discussion on internal developments Sir Peter Ramsbotham said that a new Minister for Youth had been appointed and he was very keen to develop youth activities. The Bermudian Government would be prepared to pay for an expert in this field to visit Bermuda and to advise them on youth club organisation. They might also wish to send a small number of young black youth organisers (four or so) for training and experience in the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State said that Mr Denis Howell, Minister of Sport, might be able to advise on this and he would be prepared to speak (or write) to him. . It would be helpful if you would establish with the Governor as precise a specification as possible and prepare a draft letter (which would also be used as, a speaking note) for the Secretary of State to send to Mr Howell. However beforehand it would be helpful if you could contact the Department of Environ- ment to prepare the ground and ensure that any request makes sense in practical terms.

CONFIDENTIAL

/The Secretary

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