CONFIDENTIAL
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.3.
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(13)
It is possible that Mr Faulds's Question was prompted by
Lord Gardiner, a member of the same political Party, but it is
perhaps more likely that its source was a critical article in
The Times of 9 January. This had no direct connection with Lord
Gardiner's representations, but its inspiration was the same group
of lawyers in Hong Kong. It ended with the following passage:-
"The Foreign Office has asked the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose,
to comment on the allegations made against the administration for
which he is responsible. So far there has been no reply. In the
end it may be that the enquiry into corruption now under way will
lead to a reassessment of the legal system as well.
4.
We have consulted the Governor about our proposed reply
to Mr Faulds (FCO telegram no. 75). He has agreed (Hong Kong
telegram no. 82), subject to two small amendments which I have
incorporated. He also proposed the deletion as irrelevant of the
reference to recent changes in the administration of justice.
But, although it is these very changes to which JUSTICE has objected
as being ill-conceived, I think we must refer to them, in order to
show that the Hong Kong Government is not being simply supine. I
have however recast the proposed answer to make the point more
clearly.
5.
I attach a draft reply which the Parliamentary Unit have
asked to receive by noon tomorrow, Wednesday. The department's
legal adviser agrees.
22 January 1974
fe Show
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
CONFIDENTIAL