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Date:
STAY
REGISTRY
South East Asia Dept
April 1991
/PUS
Sir John Coles
Hong Kong Dept
Action Taker Parker, Legal Advisers
Security Dept
Ps/Sir Robin Butler
My Colvid
Mr Butas
Sir Arthur Watts
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LORRAIN OSMAN: ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION BY FCO OFFICIALS
Problem
B C
A 1. 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?
D
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
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