TNAG-0683-FCO40-832-Political-aspects-of-administration-of-justice-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 23

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Mr. Sceats: Ready to open. I have witnosses available to call.

Eventually what both defendants' solicitors are seeking to have

time to do and to inquire into antecedents of certain of the Crown

witnesses who are persons who have been on fringe of underworld

and it is of course Crown's case that the 2 accused are denizens

of same world. Witnesses are apprehensive and I have intimated

that when each of 10 witnesses are called to give evidence, we

will seek Your Honour's indulgence under Section 123 of Criminal

Procedure Ordinance to declare openly in Court there no more than

Comet the

his name is given in writing particularly of his address and occupation. Apparent from Summary of Evidence to Defence and Court, particular witnesses have taken part in activities for 2 mumber

of years and their evidence may well place them firmly in danger not necessarily from accused in ease nor necessarily from other

police officers but also from persons who were engaged in illegal

activities from which they collected money in return for a degree

immunity. A number of these witnesses will name opium divans, give their locations, some particulars of location of places and premises

continuing

there as well details of major and illegal

of

gambling establishments. Crown' case extremely reluctant to divulge

information which might enable these witnesses to be

any

Defence

located. On 16/10 application was made when defence sought on

order for names of witnesses be disclosed. I have complied with that order. No requirement set out for supplying Chinese characters. Same practice direction to supply Summary of Evidence of case not later than 1 week before case started. Summary supplied more than

2 weeks ag0 •

No obligation to supply copies of documents. have been able to ascertain that Crown's cane would be to establish

syndicate and at same time giving forewarning to these persons of any action which might be intimated against them that may emanate from Bay View Police Station. Mr. Hampton is quite correct Crom would seek

accused their connections to syndicate by financial Financial documents put to 1st Accused. Later on 2nd Accused came into picture documents were put to him and supplied to solicitor before 16/10, Suggestion that investigation of first

enquiry for 7 months or longer. This

to thrust to

ties.

charge has been made under