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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT)-

CONFIDENTIAL

C.P.(51) 93

4TH APRIL, 1951

CABINET

31

COPY NO.

THE STONE OF SCONE

Memorandum by the Attorney-General

I recently called for a report on the result of Police inquiries into the theft of the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abbey on the night of the 24th/25th December. I have to inform my colleagues that after a prolonged inquiry by Scotland Yard, evidence has now been obtained that the theft was committed by four individuals of whom three have made confessions fully implicating themselves (although not their confederates) and there is no admissible evidence against the fourth.

2.

The evidence would appear to disclose a clear case of the offences of breaking into Westminster Abbey and of doing malicious damage therein, in addition to an ordinary charge of larceny. If proceedings were taken in respect of the two former offences alone, this might give less opportunity for the conduct of the defence on propagandist lines.

3.

No evidence is available as to the present whereabouts of the Stone although there is some reason to believe that it has been broken in two. Certain national newspapers are believed to be in possession of as much, if not more, evidence than the Police.

4.

During a visit to Scotland at the weekend, I took the opportunity of sounding a number of responsible and respectable citizens in regard to their view about the theft of the Stone. The general opinion seemed to be to deplore the circumstances in which the Stone had been taken and to think that it should be returned. On the other hand, there was, I thought, an equally general view that any prosecution of those who had been concerned in taking it would create a widespread, strong and very hostile reaction in Scotland.

5.

A prosecution at this stage is not likely to lead to any return of the Stone and might, indeed, result in its final disappearance. I have myself particular enthusiasm for taking proceedings in this case but, on the other hand, it is difficult to refrain from action when the clearest evidence is available as to the commission of what many people regard as a grave offence. In these circumstances, I would be grateful to know whether there are any matters of policy or otherwise to which my colleagues think I ought to have regard in deciding whether or not to institute proceedings, It may indeed be felt that the matter is one upon which His Majesty should be consulted.

Royal Coupe du£587, w.c.2.,

4TH APRIL, 1951.

H. W.S.

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G.R.

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