TNAG-0931-FCO40-1149-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1980 — Page 48

CONFIDENTIAL

HKG 380/2

- 4 DEC 1900

i

PM/80/82

BBR

PRIME MINISTER

HK GD PS. PS/LPS PS/Mr Hurk

PS/ Mr herce

PS / Mr Blaker PS/Pas

Chief Clark

fuhr Day Mr Harding

41

1.

Capital Punishment in the Dependent Territories

You should know of problems which might arise within the next few months over the question of the death penalty in dependent territories.

2. The current position is as described in the attached note which was prepared for you in August when you saw MPs who had visited the British Virgin Islands. The issue of course arouses strong feelings, both in this country and in the dependencies themselves. There is a body of opinion here, with some support in Parliament, which maintains that HMG should bring dependent territories' practice into line with the metropolitan power and, if necessary, impose abolition. Such demands would obviously increase if executions were in prospect. On the other hand, local feeling. in those territories which retain the death penalty is generally strongly in favour of its use. Commutations can lead to protests and even violence. In 1978 a frigate was sent to the British Virgin Islands in expectation of disturbances when the Governor decided to commute.

3.

The position of the Governors is awkward. They have the same sort of responsibility as that previously exercised

CONFIDENTIAL

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