CONFIDENTIAL
reaction is very like that of the Law Officers.
He does
not like the implication of changing the law to catch one
man; he does not think we should reverse a decision to
apply the double criminality rule to the dependent territories
which was taken in 1967; and he considers that Section 10 of
the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance is in itself objectionable
and that there would be trouble in this country if we tried
to send anyone back to face a charge under it.
4. I have put the opposite point; that it is not a question
of changing the law to catch one man, but of the case of
Mr Godber illuminating an illogicality in the law which
might now be changed on general grounds; that the application
of the double criminality rule to the dependent territories,
however deliberate, was illogical since we control their
legislation; and that we are not proposing to change the law
in respect of Section 10 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance
only, but of all dependent territory legislation over which
we have the power of disallowance. On the question of public
acceptability, I have said that Foreign Office Ministers would
only be likely to pursue the idea of changing the law if
there was general support for it on both sides of the House.
I have offered to go to the Home Office to discuss the question
if they wish.
5. We will need to take the next steps, if any, before
Mr Royle's return. I would therefore be glad of the opportunity
to discuss the situation now.
CONFIDENTIAL
/RELATIONS.