Tiny British territory in row with US after arresting American holidaymakers

They met with Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, a former civil servant and the islands’ British-appointed governor, and a representative from the Foreign Office.

Although the Turks and Caicos Islands are part of the UK’s sovereign territory, they have an independent legal system and can pass laws without Westminster approval.

Mr Mullin told The Telegraph he hoped to find “common ground” with the islands over the imprisoned Americans but was “not able to find a path forward”.

“At this point, well-intentioned American citizens are facing a dozen years in prison all for unknowingly having one or two bullets in their luggage,” he said.

“The unintended consequences of [Turks and Caicos’s] law have been at the expense of well-intentioned American tourists, including a grandmother, who had no intention of breaking the law.

“We will stay at the table through this process until the issue is resolved. With two hearings on the docket this week, I remain hopeful.

“Should they receive a prison sentence, we will need to consider additional actions to safeguard American citizens.”

Arrested man was visiting for a 40th birthday party

One of the men, Ryan Watson, went to the islands with his wife and other couples for a joint 40th birthday celebration, his sister said on a GoFundMe page she set up to raise money for his legal bills.

As Mr Watson was leaving the territory, airport security found four rounds of ammunition in a duffel bag he had previously used for a hunting trip. His case is set to be heard within days.

A second tourist, Sharitta Shanise Grier, was visiting the islands for a Mothers’ Day trip with her daughter when she was arrested on Thursday.