Conveys disapproval over the prospect of legislation on Irish extradition. Annotated.
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17 December 1991
Dear Peter,
ANGLO-IRISH EXTRADITION: SPECIALITY
Thank you for your letter of 16 December, seeking my agreement that officials be tasked with an examination of the technicalities of speciality within the framework of Working Group II.
I have to say that the prospect of legislation on Irish extradition holds no attraction whatsoever and I can see difficulties in persuading Parliament that a statutory speciality provision is a step forward. We must therefore do all we can to avoid being forced down that road, and I agree that the kind of examination by Working Group II which you have in mind is the best option at the moment. I can understand the Irish view that our argument about the lack of a suitable legislative vehicle is wearing thin and I think it is time we made them realise that we have doubts of substance about the desirability of a statutory provision.
Copies of this letter go to the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary, the Attorney General and to Sir Robin Butler.
Kenneth
The Rt Hon Peter Brooke MP
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Office
WHITEHALL, S.W.I.