CONFIDENTIAL
11.
Whereas a Bill would necessarily involve debates in
both Houses of Parliament, an Order in Council dealing with
the five Caribbean territories would not. Although a member
might seek an adjournment debate or move a private member's
motion, I doubt that the chances of this are very high. The
Order could not, in any case, be amended or annulled by a
vote on such a debate.
12. If faced with questions in the Commons on why we had
decided to take this course, I would emphasise that there
has been only three executions in the Dependent Territories
since the abolition of capital punishment in the UK for cases of murder, and none since 1977. I would point out
that, as Foreign Secretary, I was ultimately answerable to Parliament for the good government of Dependent Territories
and therefore responsible for ensuring that as far as
possible Governors should follow UK legislation and practice, particularly in an area where the UK Parliament has expressed a clear and consistent view over many years.
I would also point to the difficulties we would increasingly
face if asked to secure an extradition to a Dependent Territory where capital punishment remained on the statute
book.
13.
In the meantime, I have made clear to Governors that I am actively considering legislation to abolish the death
penalty and that in these circumstances it would be most improper for any executions to be carried out.
/Bermuda
CONFIDENTIAL
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