TNAG-2390-FCO40-3472-Extradition-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-case-of-Lorrain-Esme-Os-1991 — Page 29

Kevin Cahill

Tel:

071-833 3086

Fax:

071-837 9024

56 Tavistock Place London WC1 9RG.

A M Layden

British Embassy

Muscat

Oman.

9.10.91

Dear Mr. Layden,

Carrian

Osman

UK Malaysian Foreign Relations.

Over the past few years I have been investigating the above affair with a view to publication of a book and completion of a documentary. My interest is, of course, secondary to the growing public and parliamentary concern about the case, which you may well have noted.

I believe that it is possible that you have a direct insight into the matter. Given that I would have no wish to misconstrue your role I am writing to give you an opportunity to answer a number of questions, and to give your understanding of the situation as it developed. If there is a problem with the Official Secrets Act, I see no reason why you should not request consent, as the act provides, to answer specific questions.

Summary:

Put very simply, the reversal of the "Buy British Last" policy of Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir, seems to be connected to the collapse of the Carrian Group in Hong Kong in 1982/3. I attach documents which seem to have been in the possession of the Hong Kong authorities since 1983. These documents, prima facie, implicate the then Malaysian Finance Minister in the Carrian BMFL matter, which matter has led to the 5 1/2 year incarceration of Lorrain Osman on the foot of a complaint by the Malaysian Government.

I have seen Foreign Office cables, held under parliamentary privilege, which indicated that Hong Kong and UK officials knew, or suspected, that the Malaysian Government acted in bad faith in requesting the prosecution.