TNAG-2273-FCO40-3272-UK-Hong-Kong-Scholarship-Scheme-donation-by-Sir-Shiu-Kin-Tan-1991 — Page 37

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Reference

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to charity though no trust had been created (para 12). Mr Wingfield, Deputy Crown Solicitor, believed that the disbursements made from the bequest were valid (para 9).

(e) Mr Fifoot, Legal Adviser, concluded in his minute of 26 April 1990 that there was a sufficient body of opinion to confirm that the gift was haritable. He also advised that Mr Venables offer of assistance in arranging the trust in the UK should be taken up.

(f) Unfortunately, Mr Fifoot's advice was not followed because the reply to his minute went astray. Therefore, a considerable period of time has elapsed since Mr Fifoot's call for action.

Action

5.

The next step appears to be to revive Mr Venables' offer of assistance (if it, and he, still stand). It seems that we are now very much dependent on the help the Charity Commissioners can offer to re-start proceedings. I would be very grateful for your advice as to whether the next stage should be a letter to Mr Venables enclosing a copy of the legal advice we received from Hong Kong together with details of the disbursements made already. I realise that the delay since his last letter of 20 November 1989 will be relatively embarassing to explain.

CODE 18-77

Emer Doherty

E Doherty (Ms)

Hong Kong Department

270 2657

WH311

15 March 1991

PEPACI

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