CONFIDENTIAL

leaked.

The Prime Minister will be closely questioned.

If therefore we are to support the Governor there

would be much to be said for taking this decision now.

11. My own view is that

CORRUPTION AND THE FUGITIVE OFFENDERS ACT

12.

When Mr Godber, the Hong Kong policeman,

escaped to B ritain before he could be tried for

corruption, the Governor set up a judicial Commission

under Sir A Blair-Kerr. His report recommended a new

anti-corruption Commission in Hong Kong; changes in

the law and Colonial Regulations in Hong Kong to make

it easier to deal with corrupt public servants; and

the amendment of the UK Fugitive Offenders Act to allow

the return of Godber.

13. As a result the Governor has already set up an

independent Anti-Corruption Commission under

experienced direction. I hope the Home Secretary will

be able to second one or two experienced officers to

help with its Operations Unit. I have also agreed

with the Governor on changes in the laws and regula-

tions governing the public service in Hong Kong which

meet most of Sir A Blair-Kerr's recommendations.

will be announced this month.

14.

These

This leaves the Fugitive Offenders Act. Godber

is accused of an offence under Section 10 of the Hong

Kong Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, which makes it

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