CONFIDENTIAL
- 2 -
Arrest of NCNA Staff Member Xiao Xinhua
4.
Dr. Wilson said that, as Mr. Tan would know, the charges against Mr. Xiao had been withdrawn. This had required some rapid action since his case was due to be heard at 9.30 that day. It had been arranged that the charges should be dropped in consideration of the special position of NCNA and because the offence was relatively minor. It had only been possible to do this because it was a Crown prosecution. There was, however, no doubt that Mr. Xiao had committed an offence and would have been convicted. His action had been foolish. It had been easier to take this action because members of NCNA had an excellent record of obeying the law.
He was confident that NCA would take appropriate action to deal with Mr. Xiao. Mr. Tan said that disciplinary action would be taken against Mr. Xiao. He would be sent back to China. This incident would serve as a lesson to NCNA staff members, especially those newer ones who were ignorant of the law in Hong Kong. Mr. Tan had been instructed by the Director to give his colleagues a briefing to ensure that they behaved in a law-abiding fashion. He asked whether there was any reference material which he could use in giving his brief. Dr. Wilson undertook to investigate and to see whether anything suitable could be provided.