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Mr Parry, who has taken a keen interest in Ms Vertucci's
case, saw Lord Belstead along with Messrs Flannery and McTaggart
4.
on 28 April. Lord Belstead spoke to them in the same terms as
Mr Atkins had already done at his meeting with Mr Parry on
24 February (that it was the policy of the Hong Kong Government
not to give reasons in individual cases for non-extension of stay
and that it would, therefore, be inappropriate for him to do so).
(S) A record of the meeting with Lord Belstead is attached.
Because
of the sensitive nature of the information and in line with the
general policy of the Hong Kong Government Lord Belstead was not
able to go any further than was Mr Atkins, However, in view of
Mr Healey's status as Opposition Front Bench spokesman for foreign
affairs and a Privy Councillor, it would be best to offer him some
information on the reasons for the decision in strict confidence
on a Privy Councillor basis. This may help him to reassure his
colleagues in general terms. The Governor of Hong Kong agregs.
5.
UK's.
Immigration practice and procedure in Hong Kong differ from
Under UK practice an applicant is normally given the
reasons for rejection of an application. In the case of an
extension of stay being refused
the applicant
would be informed so far as possible of the nature of the
allegations against him and would be given an opportunity to
appear before and make representations to the Home Secretary's
three special advisers. Such cases are, however, extremly rare
in the UK.
Mr Healey's letter mentions the fact that Lord Carrington
was out of the country when the decision was taken to reject
6.
/Ms Vertucci's
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