TNAG-0837-FCO40-1045-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1981 — Page 55

Ms Falconer, MCD

CONFIDENTIAL

HKG.380/2

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 30 JUL 1979

DESK OFFICER INDEX

REGISTRY Action Taken

PA

nr

ms Ins.

1. I promised to let you have some background papers in preparation for Mr Stratton's meeting at 11.30 am on Thursday.

2. The basic guidance to Governors is in:

(a) the 1969 Memorandum on the Prerogative of Mercy

(including the Creech-Jones doctrine);

(b) circular despatch of 13 May 1971 modifying

procedures slightly;

(c) PUS's letter of 4 April 1978 confirming continu-

ation of Creech-Jones;

(d) circular Saving despatch of 3 March 1970.

3. Useful background papers, which consider the legal and constitutional complications of any change from present practice are:

(a) the 1977 paper prepared by an interdepartmental

Working Group;

and

(b) Sir I Sinclair's paper of 17 April 1968 (which

does not confine itself to the strictly legal position).

30 July 1979

CC: Mr Duff, WIAD

A E Clarke

Hong Kong and General Lepartment K245 233 4377

CONFIDENTIAL

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