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HKK 30017 HIKED
10 DOWNING STREET No
6 October 1977
36
Dear Mrs Smith
The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to your letter of 20 September about the conditions under which Mr Christopher Clements is being held in prison in Hong Kong and the timing of his trial.
I understand that the trial, originally set for October, has been postponed until 12 December. This was done partly to suit the convenience of the court, but also to meet a request from Defence Counsel for sufficient notice.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office asked the Hong Kong Government to comment on your son's description of the conditions under which Mr Clements is being held, and have learned that he is at present in Stanley Prison, which is the only institution in Hong Kong for housing remand prisoners charged with capital crimes. r Clements is held at night in a 54 square foot cell which is adequately ventile ted (though it does not have either a fan or air conditioning). During the day he is held in a semi-outdoor dining and recreational hall which has fans, a television and library facilities. He is given the opportunity to take exercise out of doors. Mr Clements has received 37 books and 85 newspapers. Three books sent to him were withheld since the prison authorities considered them unsuitable. Local papers are also available. Further recreational facilities are provided at weekends. When he was admitted Mr Clements was asked if he wished to work but declined: however, a recent request from him to do so is now being considered. In addition to your son (who I understand was allowed to visit Mr Clements outside normal visiting hours), friends
Mrs Nicholls have visited Mr Clements on fifteen occasions so far.
I am assured that he is the only female visitor he has received. receives his mail regularly. Like other prisoners held on remand, he receives 10 cigarettes daily; a review of this daily cigarette ration is to be undertaken shortly. The prison authorities have investigated the reports you cite of screaming by warders; they have not found any evidence to support them.
The Hong Kong Government have sent us a detailed account of the medical treatment which Mr Clements has received since July.
lars Frede Smith
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