TNAG-2320-FCO40-3364-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 103

BAHRAIN

It contained

3. Mr Jones handed over a report on Bahrain.

disturbing evidence of a continuing pattern of torture and prolonged

incommunicado detention. Officials and equipment of British origin

were involved. He was surprised that the FCO had permitted the

export of white sound and strobe equipment destined for the Security

Forces. The Secretary of State queried this. Mr Jones said that

the information was not in the Report, but that he would write

separately with it. The Secretary of State concluded that we would see if we could take action.

MOROCCO

4.

Mr Jones then handed over a report on Morocco. It revealed a pattern of human rights violations. Especially disturbing were

fragmented but serious reports of the secret detention centre at

Tazmamert. Could the Secretary of State take this up.

SYRIA

But

5. Miss Cooper referred to Amnesty International's long standing

concerns about human rights abuse in Syria. There had been some

slight movement recently. She was aware of the EC discussions.

for example over 100 long term prisoners remained without trial.

The Secretary of State said that each country on

Amnesty International's list was harder than the last to influence.

It was not easy to get at the Syrians, though there had been some

movement. It was useful to have Amnesty International's analysis.

EGYPT

6. Mr Bull handed over a report on Egypt. In reply to the

Secretary of State's questions he confirmed that reports were

discussed with the Governments concerned, and published only after a

period of months during which careful cross checking took place.

TURKEY

Miss Cooper spoke of long standing concerns about Turkey.

have been some positive steps recently, such as the repeal of

7.

HRRAAB

There