TNAG-1996-FCO40-2843-Hong-Kong-Drug-Trafficking-(Recovery-of-Proceeds)-Ordinance--1991 — Page 294

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PA

Hko 385/2

PS/Mr Eggar

Private Secretary

MALAYSIA : THE "HONG KONG EIGHT"

DEATH SENTENCES FOR DRUG OFFENCES

From: J C Harrison

Consular Department

Date: 2 June 1989

cc: PS/Lord Glenarthur

SEAD

HKD

News Department

Miss Maras

N66

Mr Jooman

Marssen 20th

12/0

PROBLEM

1. The "Hong Kong Eight's" appeal against death sentences

for drug trafficking has been rejected by the Supreme Court

in Malaysia. If the pleas they and HMG will be making to

the Pardons Board for commutation of the death sentence

fail, should the Prime Minister make a personal plea for

commutation to the Malaysian Prime Minister?

RECOMMENDATION

2.

I recommend that the Prime Minister be asked to agree

to make such a plea. I submit a draft letter from the

Private Secretary to PS/No 10. SEAD, HKD, Legal Advisers

and UND are content.

ARGUMENT

3.

The trial of the Eight, sentencing and appeals have been

in accordance with Malaysian Law. Given the Malaysian

Government's attitude towards drugs offences it is unlikely

that even a plea from the Prime Minister will save the Eight.

Her last-minute plea on behalf of Kevin Barlow in 1986

failed.

/ 4.

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