TNAG-1103-FCO40-1353-Hong-Kong-case-of-Christopher-Clements--imprisoned-for-murde-1981 — Page 4

Mr. William or

нк.

cory with Ricketts

Se

From The Minister of State

lette to in Davis 1 14/7/57 Sne,

+1417

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

HICK 3 polp

Hiel

RECEIVED IN PASTRY NO. 51

15 JUL 1981

DESK OFFICER

Dear Keit

INDEX

PA

London SW1A 2AH

RECUSTAY

Action Taken

Plus 117

13 July 1981

See C

5

Thank you for your letter of 30 June to Lord Carrington about Christopher Clements.

I cannot account for the story quoted by Mr Clements' father, but can assure you that there is no question of remission for prisoners, on the occasion of the Royal Wedding, either in the United Kingdom or in Hong Kong. I am sorry if the Clements' hopes have been raised by this false rumour.

I cannot, as you will appreciate, commit the Hong Kong prison authorities to affording the Clements special treatment. But I have arranged for a copy of your letter to be sent to the Secretary for Security in Hong Kong so that he will be aware of your concern that the Hong Kong authorities show the utmost flexibility when the Clements make their first visit in October.

You also ask about the possibility of a petition to the Governor. The Hong Kong Prison Rules state that 'Every prisoner may petition the Governor during the first year of his sentence and once every year thereafter unless the Superintendent considers that there is sufficient cause to justify additional petitions'.

4

Keith Stainton Esq MP House of Commons LONDON SW1A OAA

Yunan

Лошова

Nicholas Ridley