Y.E.
398
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S MINUTE TO THE GOVERNOR
App
I have discussed with Acting C.P. and S for I a redraft of paragraphs 2 and 3 of C.P.'s memo to District Commanders.
The new draft states clearly that the arresting officer must decide what information, if any, is to be given to the suspect by his superior.
2.
This memo will not be made public at all but is by way of private instruction from C.P. to the various District Commanders.
3.
I understand that S for I intends to discuss with you what publicity should be given by the Police to the results of Superintendant Li's examination and recommendations. I am of the opinion that whilst a public statement should be made at some stage, the report itself is unsuitable for publication in full.
4.
I have not yet received the Coroner's depositions which are expected daily. I think I, and not Mr. Nazareth should deal with these. Assuming they contain what I expect then there would be no question of my ordering the Inquest to be reopened. I would also be minded to refer the question of
of homosexuality, as previously discussed, to the Law Reform Commission. It seems to me this could perhaps best be done by a press conference rather than merely by a press statement.
5.
Were this approach adopted then perhaps we should consider whether or not I should at the same time state that I am not ordering another Inquest or referring the matter back to the present Coroner and jury, because the overwhelming weight of the evidence indicates to me that MacLennan committed suicide. I would be able to summarise the evidence detailed in my previous minute to you. Obviously this would not satisfy Mrs. Elliott and a few others, but I am sure the Police would welcome it,
and perhaps it would set at rest the minds of the overwhelming majority of reasonable people.
(John Griffiths Q.C.)
Attorney General
22.4.80.
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