TNAG-2390-FCO40-3472-Extradition-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-case-of-Lorrain-Esme-Os-1991 — Page 133

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would have to consider whether it ought to take further action. In his reply of 10 May, Cahill retracted his allegation of corruption. He has written several times since, both to the FCO and

Home Office making various allegations about the handling of the

Osman case.

The Home Office have advised us that we should consider

the case as sub judice, and our replies to Cahill have avoided any

substantive comment on his allegations, stressing instead that such

matters should be aired in the courts. His most recent letters have

been dealt with at departmental level.

7 As Cahill has now sent so many letters, they are attached as a

separate annex. His letters to Ministers and MPs enclose copies of Hong Kong telno 2874, with a note implying that Cahill obtained the telegram at the European Parliament.

Argument

8 We and the Home Office are certain that Cahill is in Osman's pay.

He is playing the game of luring a British Government official or

Minister into responding to his outlandish allegations with a

statement which might be construed as casting new light on the case,

and form the basis for yet more legal action to avoid Osman's

extradition.

The only certain way to avoid falling such a trap is

to refuse to be drawn. We have secured Cahill's written statement

that he does not accuse the FCO or any of its officials of

corruption, and have no interest in making further substantive

comment.

9 Cahill has effectively called our bluff by sending further

copies of Hong Kong telno 2874. That it has come into his

possession (presumably via Osman's solicitor) is a cause for

concern. In claiming that he obtained copies at the European Parliament, Cahill is suggesting that the document is already in the public domain. We could repeat the warning in Sir J Coles' letter about the possible consequences of improper use by Cahill of

the telegram. On balance, however, it is probably better to ignore it. Cahill must know he is on a hiding to nothing, as the telegram has already been considered in one of Osman's failed habeas corpus applications. If we mention the telegram again, Cahill will draw

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