TNAG-2285-FCO40-3286-Cooperation-between-Hong-Kong-and-China-on-criminal-matters-1991 — Page 21

H&CB 380/3

Our reference: Your reference:

M V Stone Esq

Hong Kong Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

LONDON

SW1A 2AH

Dear Stone,

HOME OFFICE

Queen Anne's Gate London SW1H 9AT

Direct line: 01-273 Switchboard: 01-273 3000

28

8 October 1991

HONG KONG: CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA ON CRIMINAL MATTERS

26

Thank you for your letter to Miss Nicholson of 27 September asking whether we would wish to be involved in overseeing cases where Hong Kong proposes to co-operate with the Chinese authorities in providing them with evidence in criminal matters.

Having considered the matter carefully we are of the view that there is no reason why the Home Office should be involved in such cases. There would be no action to be taken in the name of Home Office Ministers, and thus no basis on which they could find themselves exposed to criticism. The main issue will be whether the Hong Kong authorities, in reaching their decision to assist in any request, have adhered to the safeguards which they themselves have put in place. The other question is over the political and practical sensitivity of doing business with the Chinese at any particular point in time. These are both issues on which only your department is able to advise.