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PA
Hko 385/2
PS/Mr Eggar
Private Secretary
MALAYSIA : THE "HONG KONG EIGHT"
DEATH SENTENCES FOR DRUG OFFENCES
From: J C Harrison
Consular Department
Date: 2 June 1989
cc: PS/Lord Glenarthur
SEAD
HKD
News Department
Miss Maras
N66
Mr Jooman
Marssen 20th
12/0
PROBLEM
1. The "Hong Kong Eight's" appeal against death sentences
for drug trafficking has been rejected by the Supreme Court
in Malaysia. If the pleas they and HMG will be making to
the Pardons Board for commutation of the death sentence
fail, should the Prime Minister make a personal plea for
commutation to the Malaysian Prime Minister?
RECOMMENDATION
2.
I recommend that the Prime Minister be asked to agree
to make such a plea. I submit a draft letter from the
Private Secretary to PS/No 10. SEAD, HKD, Legal Advisers
and UND are content.
ARGUMENT
3.
The trial of the Eight, sentencing and appeals have been
in accordance with Malaysian Law. Given the Malaysian
Government's attitude towards drugs offences it is unlikely
that even a plea from the Prime Minister will save the Eight.
Her last-minute plea on behalf of Kevin Barlow in 1986
failed.
/ 4.
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