31 October 2000
Source: Public records, Southern District of New York

This is Exhibit 5 of a 7 January 2000 motion for bail and other relief for defendant Wadih El-Hage in the US embassies bombings.

[2 pages.]

[At page bottom:]
Declass: on
7/28/2019
[1995 denial of
release crossed out.]

CONFIDENTIAL
UNCLASSIFIED

Dept of State, RPS/IPS Margaret P. Garfield, Dir.
(X)Release (  ) Excise (X) Declassify
Date   11-23-99    Exception ____________

(J1)
D 1.5b (d)

HOME OFFICE
Queen Anne's Gate London SW1H9AT

Direct line 071-273 3030
Switchboard 071-273 3000

Your reference                                

Our reference                                 

Date                    28 July 1994

George W Proctor Esq
Director
US Department of Justice
Office of International Affairs
Criminal Division
Bond Building, Room 5100
1400 New York Avenue, NW
WASHINGTON DC 20005                                                    28 July 1994

Dear Mr Proctor

EXTRADITION OF SUSAN HAGAN AND SALLY CROFT TO THE UNITED STATES

Following the return of Susan Hagan and Sally Croft to the United States yesterday, there are a number of aspects of the case about which we have undertaken to write you.

For the record, and as I believe your office is already aware, there is no British equivalent to the US offense of interstate transportation of firearms which appears in the US indictment. Thus by virtue of Article XII of the UK/US Extradition Treaty Ms Hagan and Ms Croft cannot be detained or proceeded against in the United States in respect of that offense.

As you will know Ms Hagan and Ms Croft and others, including prominent members of both Houses of Parliament, have expressed fears that they will not receive a fair trial in Oregon because of the age of the alleged offense, the nature of the evidence against them (obtained, so it appears, from plea bargains), and alleged continuing prejudice against members or former members of the Rajneesh community. Ms Hagan and Ms Croft had asked the Home Secretary to seek an undertaking from the United States Government that the place of trial be moved to another, neutral state. The Home Secretary declined to do so because the place of trial is, of course, for th US authorities to decide. However, he did undertake to pass these concerns to the US authorities, and this letter fulfills that commitment.

Although judgement went strongly against Ms Hagan and Ms Croft on 27 July (we shall send you a copy as soon as a transcript is available), we would wish to stress the Home Secretary's concern that questions of local prejudice are examined most carefully by all those concerned in the trial process. This case has attracted an unprecedented degree of Parliamentary, public and media attention in this country. There will inevitably continue to be a great deal of concern expressed about the case by supporters of Ms Hagan and Ms Croft, both inside and outside Parliament. There are highly likely to be Parliamentary debates about it in October or November, after the summer Recess, possibly resulting in votes condemning the Home Secretary's actions. The British Consul in Seattle will be taking a close interest in the progress of the trial. But particularly in view of the almost inevitable Parliamentary debates, I would be most grateful if you would ensure that we are kept in very close touch with developments.

Yours sincerely

[Signature]

ALISON RUTHERFORD

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