TNAG-1101-FCO40-1351-Legislation-on-homosexuality-in-Hong-Kong-including--Report--1981 — Page 174

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the opinions of the various overseas experts called by the Commission. Their opinions, taken either jointly or singly, demonstrate conclusively that MacLennan died by his own hands. When Mrs. Elliott gave evidence, naturally, she was asked if she had any facts or evidence that would suggest anything other than suicide. She replied:-9

"I don't think there is any yes or no answer. I have an open mind on the question."

In my view, in saying she had an open mind, she had in fact a closed mind on the question.

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119.

As for the evidence from the Ballistics Experts and the Forensic Pathologists, she said:—100

"Well, I would say that unless you see the body, it would not be of any value."

If that is correct, it seems after a one-year inquiry, we are now all back to square one.

120.

Accordingly, I come to the view that:

(a) she has the tendency to draw conclusions or express opinions too readily, without first carefully ascertaining

whether those statements and opinions have any or sufficient factual basis;

(b)

she has the tendency to exaggerate;

(c)

she has the tendency to resort to emotive and extravagant language;

(d) she has the tendency to confuse opinion or inference with fact, often expressing someone's or her own opinion,

as fact;

(e) she has the tendency to make accusations without hearing all interested parties and without giving the

suspected person or persons the benefit of the doubt;

(ƒ) she has the tendency to make serious allegations without having regard or sufficient regard to her prominent status as a public figure whose opinions and statements are widely heard if not accepted in Hong Kong, and therefore, she has a special responsibility not to make any such public allegations, particularly those of a serious nature, without knowing the full facts;

(g) she was not in possession of any special and independent source of knowledge of the MacLennan Affair; and

(h) she has the propensity to interpret simple and straightforward facts in the most sinister light.

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See Transcript pages 11183, 11195–11196. See Transcript page 11270.