Telephoned Thornton 27/5
who will enjen
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1
Y. SL MAY 1977
UKK 3801
Mr. T.J. David,
Hong Kong & General Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London, SW1A 2AH,
ENGLAND.
Dear Tigh
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS
HONG KONG
19th May, 1977
Ry R + R
tc
Mo Marsh Consuler Apt
iffimed) F14/5
M. Mesh Cens Ipt - let ve speak.
Letter from Mr. Keith Stainton, MP about Mr. Christopher Clements
I think I must first comment on paragraphs 2 to 4 of
Mr. Stainton's letter.
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It is difficult to regard Mr. Crowder's description of legal aid in Hong Kong as "pretty worthless" as anything but ignorant and/or irresponsible. As you point out, the allegation is vague and unsubstantiated and therefore difficult to answer except in general terms.
If it is the extent of legal aid which Mr. Crowder considers deficient, he has grossly exaggerated the position. I understand that the Secretariat are providing you with the facts.
11/5
here are /hure
been sent
If it is the quality which he believes deficient, then his criticism is a judgment on the quality of the Hong Kong bar, most of whose members are members of the English bar. Obviously, the quality and experience of barristers differs in Hong Kong just as it does in England, but Mr. Crowder's knowledge of the Hong Kong bar is too slight to give weight to any adverse judgment.
Paragraph 2 of Mr. Stainton's letter implies that Mr. Crowder's knowledge stems from his involvement in both a murder and a drugs case in Hong Kong. His appearances in both cases have been before magistrates and defendants have not been legally aided.
The murder case consisted of committal proceedings in which the magistrate declined to commit.
The drugs case is still subjudice. The proceedings before a magistrate are under the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance at the instance of the Canadian Government who are seeking the extradition to Canada of Mr. Crowder's clients to face serious drug charges. The Hong Kong Police and Counsel from this Department are assisting the Canadian authorities.
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I turn to paragraph 3 which begins "Police procedures
The authority in Hong Kong leave room for doubt as to justice." for this broad condemnation is again Mr. Crowder. I am informed that the incident when what the accused said was taped in the