COHAGC
HKD 243/8
REC
The Hum
CONFIDENTIAL
Me W/3/4 15- N219
л
من
725
Miss Jar +PA
Hong Kong Department
- 5SEP 19.
FROM:
CO Hum
Thank
you.
We must hope
that a
home-grown enquiry wi
fuck weet caristy international
oquision
am t
The UNICR
1/
Mr/McLaren
DATE:
1 September 1988
CC:
Private Secretary
PS/Lord Glenarthur
Mr Gillmore
Mr Colvin, SEAD
Mr Williams, UND
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG: HEI LING CHAU DISTURBANCES
A
B
1.
As you know, it has been alleged that Vietnamese boat people in
the Hei Ling Chau Detention Centre were ill-treated by members of
the Correctional Services Department in action to put down
disturbances there on 19 July. The allegations emerged in cables
from the local UNHCR representative which were leaked to the press.
They have been taken up by human rights groups in the US.
2.
Hong Kong telno 3200 reported that an internal enquiry into the
allegations has found no evidence to support them. The Governor nonetheless concluded that some form of independent enquiry would be
necessary. In our telno 2214 we offered the services of a member of
the Home Office Prison Inspectorate.
3. The Governor telephoned me this morning to bring me up to date.
He said he had to weigh up carefully the need for international
credibility against the local need to demonstrate confidence in the
Correctional Services Deparment. He had concluded that the right
form for the enquiry would be to follow the procedure laid down in
local legislation. An eminent local QC would be invited to
undertake the enquiry, assisted by a local JP. Both would be individuals of authority and independent standing. At this stage
the Governor had decided not to call on the services of an outside
expert, either to chair or to assist the enquiry.
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.