5. On the face of it, the accusation is misconceived, and the Treasury Solicitor's Department expect the case to be disposed of very rapdily. To enable them to deal with it, it is necessary for the Secretary of State and Lord Goronwy-Roberts formally to retain the Treasury Solicitor to act for them in the case. I submit draft retainers in the form suggested by the Treasury Solicitors' Department for signature by the Secretary of State and Lord Goronwy-Roberts. Once these have been signed, we shall arrange for them to be delivered to the Treasury Solicitors Department,. This will have to be done not later than 26 September, since the Solicitor is required to enter appearances by that date.
22 September 1978
Ruangwen
R JT McLaren
Hong Kong and General Department