CONFIDENTIAL
In considering whether such reviews should be reinforced by some further formal machinery, however, the United Kingdom is conscious of the problems, not least that of the overlapping
It would not be easy to jurisdiction, which would result.
reconcile any new machinery relating to the Commonwelath (an institution which is neither universal nor regional) with those mechanisms which are already established for the purpose of protecting human rights, both at universal and regional level, and by which some members of the Commonwealth (including the United Kingdom) have undertaken to be bound.
The United Kingdom therefore, at this stage, feels unable to commit itself on the specific question of a Commonwelath Human Rights Commission, but nevertheless agrees that all aspects of the subject could usefully be considered by the Working Party which you, as Secretary-General, have been requested to appoint.
bcc: J.E Johnson, Esq., Home Office
B.D Huebner, Esq., Lord Chancellor's Office
R.G Jones, Esq., Northern Ireland Office
M. G de Winton, Esq., CBE, MC, Law Officers Dept P.J Layden, Esq., Lord Advocate's Dept
P.J Fowler, Esq., Cabinet Office
J.R Johnson, Esq., WAD, FCO
CONFIDENTIAL
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