TNAG-2390-FCO40-3472-Extradition-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong-case-of-Lorrain-Esme-Os-1991 — Page 87

CONFIDENTIAL

Dealt reflecting infect.

pa.

J4/12

HKD 384/1.

384/1.

From: P B Yaghmourian

SEAD

Date: 29 November 1991

cc:

Mr Morris, HKD

Mr Eaton, Legal Advisers

Mr Colvin

Sir J Coles

MALAYSIA/HONG KONG: LORRAIN OSMAN

Problem

Mr Underwood, C7 Division,

Home Office

1 How to respond to Kevin Cahill's latest letter to Sir John Coles, threatening to publish a confidential telegram which has come into

his possession?

Recommendation

A

B

C

2 I recommend that a short reply be given, stating that we still consider that publication would be improper, but not threatening any legal action. HKD, Legal Advisers and the Home Office concur.

3

I submit a draft reply.

Background

4

Mr Cahill first mentioned his possession of Hong Kong telno 2874 in his letter of 30 March to Sir Arthur Watts. Possible legal action against Mr Cahill in the event of his publicising the telegram was considered (Mr Guy's submission of 22 April), but it was decided that we would not take such action. In his reply to Mr Cahill of 30 April, Sir John Coles therefore limited himself to explaining the telegram was a privileged document; if Mr Cahill made any improper use of it, we would have to consider whether we ought to take further action.

BR3AFN