Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SW1A 2AL
Dal Stu
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Telephone 01- 930-8440 Ext 118
Messrs Charles Russell & Co
Hale Court
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London WC2A 3UL
Your reference
Our reference
HKK 14/3
Date
27 November 1974
93
Dear Sirs
PF GODBER
NEA
REF.
305
The following is the text of a message I have today received from the Attorney-General of Hong Kong:-
"1. Now that we have seen the motion and affidavit we have been
considering the question of representation from here on the hearing of the habeas corpus proceedings. I doubt whether any- one need come from my office. It would not be Penlington anyway because he is now on leave. I shall be glad to know whether you agree, after consulting French if you think fit. Prendergast will in fact be in the United Kingdom on leave at that time and would of course be ready to help if really required.
2.
Looking ahead optimistically, I have also been considering appearances for the Crown on the trial here. I think that both French and Neligan should represent the Crown if they are willing to come.
At a guess, the trial might be in the first half of February if a final decision about Godber's return is taken by the end of the year. It seems to me that it is not too soon to make an approach to French and Neligan and I shall be glad if this can be done on our behalf. They would be provided with first class air passages and hotel accommodation in addition to their fees."
As regards his paragraph 1, we should welcome your and French's comments for transmission to Hong Kong.
As regards his paragraph 2, we should welcome your own views for transmission to Hong Kong. Please feel free to consult with French and Neligan or their respective clerks as you think fit.
Yours faithfully
Antary Ruskford,
A R Rushford
Deputy Legal Adviser
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