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without the amendment being retrospective in form. This was
important. Sir M MacLehose said he would be delighted if this
could be done. It would improve relations more than anything
else. But if Mr Godber had left the UK by the time the Act was
amended, the row would be worse than ever. Could it be amended
quietly? Mr Rushford thought that, if Mr Godber did abscond to,
say, France, it would be very difficult to get him back.
He was
on the stop list, but this could be evaded. Sir M MacLehose
asked whether an Order in Council could be made and Mr Godber
arrested simultaneously. Fr Rushford said that both Houses of
Parliament would have to approve the Order, which would then go
to The Queen. We could hurry the process, but the dangers of
would remain
alerting Mr Godber. Mr Royle asked whether it would be possible
to arrest Mr Godber on the day the Order was tabled. Mr Rushford
said this would be difficult.
to take advice on the matter.
Sir M MacLehose said he would like
So far as he knew, there was still
no evidence to support extraditable charges against Mr Godber.
Mr Royle pointed out that it would not in any case be possible to
change the Fugitive Offenders Act before the House reassembled.
8. Mr Royle then asked what was the latest news on the possible
appointment of hir Prendergast to the Anti-Corruption Office.
Sir M MacLehose said that he wanted to get him there soon, but was
not sure about the timing. Corruption in Hong Kong must be cut
down and Mr Prendergast was the best man for the job. The need
was to track down corruption in high places, which was clearly
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