TNAG-1129-FCO40-1408-Extradition-arrangements-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1982 — Page 4

CODE 18-77

Reference

HKG 384/1

Mr Herdman WIAD

MUTUAL ASSISTANCE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS: USA-BERMUDA

1.

་་མ* 1* **、

I have just returned from (coincidentally) Bermuda and have now seen Mr Brown's response to your 18 October minute. The subject was not raised by Brian Watkins or the Commissioner of Police.

2. I am aware of the American problem with evidence in the Caymans. If they were able to pick off Bermuda, so to speak, on a bilateral basis it could fudge the issue in regard to Hong Kong, Cayman and the UK. My advice is therefore against allowing direct negotiations between Bermuda and the Americans..

3. It is relevant to comment that, at a working level, there are mechanisms for mutual assistance in criminal matters. They exist on the one hand because of personal contact and mutual self-interest, and, on the other more formally through Bermuda being a sub-bureau of the British National Office of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol): in practice, little or no traffic is passed through the London office, which adds emphasis to the personal aspect of co-operation.

20 October 1982

RP Bryan

Overseas Police Adviser WH 299 233 5526

cc: Mr CW Squire

Mr F H Brown, NTD

Mr Freeland, Legal Advisers Mr C J Hall, HKGD

Enter & rembut.

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