OT 366: Letter from Mr John Hartley, together with petitions from 14 individuals[1] to the Chairman of the Committee

 

 

My thanks go to you, Sir John Stanley and to your staff for the meeting last week at Portcullis House.

 

I am sure you noticed that I was surprised to learn that you and the FCO are receiving noteworthy petitions and submissions from the islands to the effect that the impact of the Auld Report and the forthcoming interim administration by direct rule from Westminster will damage the islands' economy.

 

As I understand it the proposition put to you is that inward investment will suffer under direct rule from the UK.

 

I tried to set out for you my personal opinion that any political damage to inward investment arises from the extended period of uncertainty that has passed under the current kleptocracy and since the announcement of the auld Commission and possible direct rule.

 

The majority of those you may not have heard from are yearning for the Secretary of State to act.

 

I am also convinced from conversations with American and Canadian businessmen that direct rule from Westminster with her Majesty the Queen (or at least her representative) as executive Head of State will encourage foreign investment into the territory.

 

It may be of course that some investment from dubious sources will be discouraged by the return of the rule of law.

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[1] Not published.