TNAG-1101-FCO40-1351-Legislation-on-homosexuality-in-Hong-Kong-including--Report--1981 — Page 519

TREASURY

SOLICITOR

Our reference A.81/318/JBB

Your reference 400/81/160

CONFIDENTIAL

18

A

Matthew Parker Street London SW1H 9NN

Telegrams Proctorex London SWI

SWITCHBOARD 01-233 3000 Telephones

DIRECT LINE Telex 917564

17th July 1981

01-233

See HKK 380/2

1982

4

JR Mallinson Esq Attorney General's Chambers Law Officers Department Royal Courts of Justice Strand WC2

нии 38011

RECEIVED IN ESTRY NO. 51 2 0 JUL 1981

PA

REGISTRY Action Taken

DESK OFFICER INDEX

BLAKER v INGRAMS AND OTHERS

PGO 2017

16

I have now received a copy of Clift's letter to John Griffiths in Hong Kong which you mentioned on the telephone. In paragraph 3 of that letter, it is said that the Secretary of State might properly be advised to make a claim in the public interest in respect of certain classes of documents. We have not yet, of course, reached the stage at which any subpoena duces tecum has been served upon the FCO, or even threatened. Nevertheless, it will be helpful to know in advance the attitude of the Department to the possible grounds of claim which might have to be made by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. I enclose a copy of a letter to this office from Messrs. Oswald Hickson, Collier and Company, solicitors for Mr Blaker. As you will see, they agree with the view that none of the documents which passed before the Minister when he was at the FCO are within his possession, custody or control.

I will keep you informed of any development in this case, and I am sending

If this letter as well as its enclosure to Clift in the Hong Kong and General Department of the FCO.

a copy

The Shilles

вали

J B BAILEY