29
15.
34
letter in English and to strike out one of the alternatives. All 10
struck out Part A of that form, leaving froe "I do not agree to be
interviewed." Position of witnesses themselves is unequivocal and letter I addressed to witnesses dated 28/10 and as I have already mentioned necessity
for writing lotter only arose because arrangements that had
been made for representatives on behalf of accused to see actual
persons and actual faces in pursuance of Court nomination and ascertain
from them personally as to whether they wanted to be interviewed
or not had been ignored. These witnesses do not want to be
interviewed on behalf of the accused nor do they want any information
which might lead to other persons whom they may have reason to fear
being able to trace them. Adjournment of 2 weeks would not be of
Accused are entitled to raiso matters
any use to these persons.
relating to character of prosecution witnesses. Summary of Evidence make it abundantly clear type of world those persons lived and
worked
in.
Details of previous convictions of 2 witnesses have been
disclosed.
(Mr. Hampton: Fact that 2 of them had been previously convicted have been
disclosed but not details of conviction.) Time required for studying
documents is not necessary as it is not legal obligation to supply
defence with those documents. No grounds made out to grant adjournment. The longer delay before calling these witnesses before Court the greater the difficulties are in maintaining their
anonymity.
Prosecution cannot arrest these witnesses. One of the 10
witnesses Lau Cheong Wa has just been released from prison.
cannot stop him from leaving Colony.
Court: As I have indicated earlier, we will proceed with the
trial and consider further application for adjournment if it
becomes necessary.
Crown