Dear Jack,
000
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SWIA OAA
2nd February 1982
A
I wonder if I could put to you a rather unusual request.
I am suing "Private Eye" for libel arising out of an article which they published some eighteen months ago at the time of the inquest on the police inspector who committed suicide. believe his name was McLennan.
I
The "Private Eye" article complained that I had refused to direct that a judicial enquiry should be held into the case, on which you will remember the Coroner's jury had returned an open verdict. The "Private Eye" article went on to add that my father owns a large part of the territory of Hong Kong. The clear implication was that I was refusing to hold an investigation because I or my father had a pecuniary interest in Hong Kong.
I am advised by my solicitors and by Counsel that I am almost certain to win my case. Indeed they expect "Private Eye" to concede the case, but probably only a few days before it is due for hearing.
I made
My legal advisers have asked if I could produce a witness who could give evidence as to the freedom of action enjoyed by the Government of Hong Kong vis a vis H.M.G. to them the point that this is the sort of case in which I, as the Minister responsible, would have left the decision to the Governor in accordance with the practice of leaving as much as possible to be settled by the Governor and the respective Councils in Hong Kong.
I mentioned to my legal advisers that you would be a person who, from your long experience, could speak on this subject, and they asked if I would approach you to see if you would be prepared to give evidence on it. I am sorry to bother you with this but I would be very glad to know whether you would indeed be prepared to act in this way.
If you would like to talk the matter over with me I shall be available in my office (218 6464) on Thursday, 4th February. I shall be out of London all day tomorrow.
Yours sincerely,
Sir Jack Cater,
Hong Kong Government Office.
Blu.
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