TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN RIGHTFUL TITLE TO THE KINGDOM
OF REDONDA I understand that there are currently in existence several
misapprehended and false claims to the throne of Redonda. I have been
asked to give such details of the rightful succession and title to the
Kingdom as are within my direct knowledge. Annexed to this letter is
a true copy of a Deed of Irrevocable Covenant dated 20th October 1966.
By this Deed Juan I, King of Redonda (otherwise known as Terence Ian
Fytton Armstrong or John Gawsworth) abdicated his title in favour of
Arthur John Roberts (then otherwise known as the Grand Duke of Hardwick
de Redonda). The Deed goes on to confirm Arthur John Roberts as King
of the Realm of Redonda with the title of King Juan II. I drew up this
Deed of Irrevocable Covenant on the explicit oral instructions of King
Juan I. The original deed is held by King Juan II and is firmly signed
and initialled by King Juan I and liberally attested by witnesses. I
have no doubt that King Juan II is the only true King of Redonda, and
will so hold the title until his death or until he designates the succession.
In this connection I draw attention to the following:- The passing of
royal title to King Juan I by King Felipe was accomplished by much more
informal writings: vide letters and statements of 1st October 1936 and
17th February 1947 held by King Juan II. To my knowledge this succession
has never been queried. At the time of delivering his instructions to
me for the drafting of the Deed of Irrevocable Covenant, King Juan I
had for some time pursued a deliberate policy of abstinence and, in
my opinion, was in full possession of his faculties. I have no reason
to doubt that these advantages persisted on 20th October, 1966, when
the Deed was signed. So far as I am aware the Deed of Irrevocable Covenant
represents the most solemn, deliberate and binding recognition to the
title to the Realm of Redonda which exists. If other claimants have
written evidence of title which is superior in detail and conviction
they should immediately produce it or withdraw their Claims. Even if
such written evidence is produced, there remains the difficulty of demonstrating
that a monarch who has voluntarily abdicated in favour of a specified
successor has anything further of validity to bestow.