TNAG-2284-FCO40-3285-Capital-punishment-in-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 136

CONFIDENTIAL

IMMEDIATE

<<<<

Bermuda, you will be able to tell him that it will not, and

that primary legislation would be required to abolish capital punishment in Bermuda unless the Bermuda Legislature itself

took action. You should repeat what we have already told him

that we would prefer a decision on the way forward in Bermuda

to lie in Bermudian hands, and therefore express the hope that

the government will take appropriate action in the light of

what we have done elsewhere.

6. Tortola only. Mr Lennox-Boyd will also take up the issue

personally with Lavity Stoutt when the Chief Minister calls on

him on 11 March.

7. Montserrat and Anguilla only. Mrs Chalker will be briefed

to defend our decision when she visits Montserrat and Anguilla on 6 and 7 March respectively. Meanwhile Chamberlain may if asked by his colleagues at this week's meeting of Attorneys

General say that Ministers have considered the question of

abolition and that the outcome of their deliberations will be

conveyed as soon as possible to DT governments.

8.

Hong Kong only. No further action on your part would appear to be required.

HURD

YYYY

ΜΑΙΝ

LIMITED

WIAD

HKD

LACAD, ODA

NEWS DEPT

LEGAL ADVISERS

UND