Mr Murray
Mr Cortazzi
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts
HKK380/5
ོ།”
NOV 1977
PS
No
ins
TRANSFER OF PRISONERS FROM HONG KONG
55
Flag A ATTACHED
O TI
Flag B A
Flag C Flags D.G
wi w.17
w.17
20
300 ro
as
1. Two serving soldiers, Trooper Bassett and Gunner Puttock, are currently serving life sentences in Hong Kong for murder.
They
had originally been sentenced to death but the sentences were commuted by the Governor. Both prisoners have asked for transfer
to this country.
2. Under Section 2(b) of the Colonial Prisoners' Removal Act 1884 the Secretary of State may order a prisoner undergoing sentence in a British Possession to be removed to the UK if, amongst other categories, the prisoner belonged at the time of committing the offence to HM Forces. The Government of Hong Kong have requested the issue of Removal Orders in this case.
3. I attach the report of the trial Judge, social enquiry reports on the prisoners and confirmation that no objection to the removal is held by the Commander, British Forces Hong Kong, the Home Office or the MOD.
4. I attach draft Removal Orders, which are issued in duplicate for each prisoner and I recommend that the Secretary of State should sign them. Legal Advisers and Consular Department concur.
7 November 1977
cc:
Legal Advisers
Consular Department
J A B Stewart
Hong Kong & General Dept
:
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.