Mr Colvin
Mr Burns
RESTRICTED
COVERING SECRET
HKD 384
RECENS
23 APR 1991
DESK OFFICER INDEX
GRIPY
PA
kotiute laken
From:
Date:
CC:
-CT 23/4
Ge Ms Barrett
J W Guy
+
Mr
25
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to por
South East Asia Dept
12 April 1991
PS/PUS
Sir John Coles
Hong Kong Dept
Mr Parker, Legal Advisers
Security Dept
PS/Sir Robin Butler
Sir Arthur Watts
PS/Lord Caithness
LORRAIN OSMAN: ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION BY FCO OFFICIALS
Problem
A 1.
B C
D
Mr Kevin Cahill, a journalist, has written to Sir Arthur Watts
alleging corrupt action by FCO officials handling papers relating to
the request from the Hong Kong authorities to extradite Lorrain
Osman from the United Kingdom to face fraud and other charges. He wrote similar letters to Sir Robin Butler and to Ms Rita Fan, a
member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council. He bases his
allegations on a confidential telegram (Hong Kong telno 2874 of 1985 in FCO) the contents of which could become public knowledge through
Cahill's actions. Should we take legal action to stop him?
Recommendation
2.
I recommend against any legal action to prevent Cahill using the official document in his possession; that we should instead reply to Mr Cahill rejecting his allegations. Legal Advisers, Hong Kong
Department and Treasury Solicitors agree. Sir Robin Butler is