My dear Margaret,
I have been considering my position following the apology which preceded the Statement I made to the House this afternoon about the Glasgow rape case.
I wish to make it abundantly clear that I am entirely satisfied that the Crown Office and Crown Counsel handled the delicate decisions in the Glasgow rape case with total propriety. However, I appreciate that in my dealings with the Press, I may have made errors of judgment.
In the circumstances I have decided that I ought no longer to remain in office as Solicitor General for Scotland.
I would like to thank you most sincerely for having given me the honour of serving as a Scottish Law Officer during past two and a half years—but much more of having had the privilege of serving in your Government which is devoted to our national survival.
I will do all in my power to support you and your Administration in the House and in the country in your unflinching dedication to the salvation of our country.
Yours very sincerely,
Nicholas [end p1]
My dear Nicholas FairbairnNicholas,
Thank you for your letter of 21 January.
It is characteristic of you that you should have written as you did. I believe that you have come to a responsible decision which accords with the highest traditions of office.
In accepting your resignation, I want to thank you most warmly for all that you have done as a Minister and as a Law Officer since the Administration was formed.
I am glad to know that we shall continue to have your loyal support in the future, as we have had in the past.
I send you my personal good wishes.
Yours ever,
Margaret.