TNAG-0820-FCO40-1027-Narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1978 — Page 187

ii) we must therefore exercise our own control over develop-

ments and to this end would much prefer to continue to work directly with Mr Lyman (senior) in Bangkok and not through Mr Hallmark. It makes obvious sense that the main point of contact should be there since both the Consulate and lawyers are in regular communication with Miss Nightingale herself.

iii) the attached. memorandum deals with points in Mr David

Hallmark's letter and memo of 30 June and his letter of July to Mrs Castle. It is passed to her on Privy

Councillor terms.

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Xxx

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also doubtful Thethis this i the right wal

iv) the memorandum shows that we have already pursued our

inquiries with the Hong Kong authorities a very long way. We are not persuaded that to take the matter further on the basis of the questionnaire would produce any additional information relevant to Miss Nightingale's own situation, and we we

v) we will however bear in mind the points made in the

questionnaire in the further consideration we shall be giving to the case in consultation with Mr Lyman (senior)

vi) Mrs Castle's letter attributes to Mr David Lyman views "on how he believes we can secure Rita's release". In his discussions with us he did not indicate that he possessed a magic formula and it would be wrong to pin too many hopes on a diplomatic approach,

vii) Mrs Castle will know, from what the Private Secretary

told her in Blackpool, that the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs have warned us off petitioning for a Royal Pardon at this stage. Everyone (including Rita Nightingale herself) is agreed that further consideration of this should be left until after she had been seen to benefit

from a reduction in sentence under an amnesty,

viii) two amnesties are due in December. Miss Nightingale

coursefalso

could benefit from the second and might earn a reduction in sentence of about 4 years. She would of course also stand to benefit from later amnesties. On the

basis, of amnesties alone

she could end up by

to

Мыси

осси

(subject to

good behavia

serving onl

half her sentence