RESTRICTED
See 332
20
2 June 1973
Sir Murray MacLehose
GBE KCMG KCVO HONG KONG
MISS RITA NIGHTINGALE
HKK 385/2
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
0 5 JUN1978
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
M
R
RY
PA
Action Tre:
1. You will no doubt recall the case of Miss Rita Nightingale, the British girl who was convicted and imprisoned in Thailand last year for drug smuggling. Hany people in this country believe, as Miss Nightingale maintained throughout her trial, that she was no more than the immocent dupe of her Hong Kong Chinese accomplices. Her cause has been taken up by the Portia Trust, a registered charity dedicated to helping people who suffer from emotional and psychological disorders. They have chlisted the support of a mumber of influential people, including ́re Barbara Castle and other MPa,
The Secretary of State had a meeting with Mrs Castle last nosmoer shortly after Miss Nightingale's conviction. Dr Owen Mon explained that little could be done until the appeal had beon heard in the Thai courts and the outcome was known. Ire Castle has recently raised the case again and the Secretary of state has agreed to have another meeting with her and with n trustee of the Portia Trust in the near future.
You will no doubt be aware that Hiss Nightingale's arrest followed a tip off sent from the Hong Kong Customs to their Thai counterparts The two Hong Kong Chinese, Chan King Fai end Yip Ka Keung, who were travelling with Miss Nightingale were detained at the same time but were subsequently released and left Thailand before the case came to court (Chan has since been convicted of an unrelated narcotics charge in Hong Kong and I understand he is now serving a 5 year prison sentence). is being suggested by the people who are pressing for Piss Nightingale's case to be reopened that there could be information in Hong Kong Government files implicating Chan and Yip and, to some extent at least, exonerating Hiss Nightingale. Lawyers working for Miss Nightingale have asked therefore whether the Hong Kong Government files can be made available them.
It
4. This would clearly be a most unusual step. However, the Secretary of State has asked if you would provide all th information available in Hong Kong which might have a bearing
RESTRICTED