24
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CONFIDENTIAL
Miyisher
69
e/69
PS/Mr Royle
REPORT ON THE GODBER CASE
1.
Asmo
д.
AR
НКК 14/17
ода
"PAK
Miss Kjell
42217
Mi Goson
24/7
Tel (slightly amended) despatched.
I understand that Mr Stuart (who is now on leave)
discussed his submission of 13 July with Mr Royle before FCO
61) telegram number 689 issued. This informed the Governor, in
reply to his enquiries (Hong Kong telegram number 722), that
642
saw no objection to publication of Sir Alastair Blair-Kerr's
Report on the first part of his Enquiry.
2. We also informed the Governor that we would prefer him not
to delete Sections 10(2) and 10(4) of the Prevention of Bribery
Ordinance, which was the main recommendation of the Blair-Kerr
Report. But if he considered it essential now in order to
allay public disquiet and prevent other suspects from leaving,
we would consider it further.
3.
Meanwhile, Mr Royle asked that we should seek the Attorney
General's views. Mr Rushford has consulted the Law Officers
who confirm that since sub sections 10(2) and 10(4) did not
cure the legal objections to the provision, their removal could
not be objected to in principle.
The Governor has now replied (his telegram number 787)
that the Report will be published in Hong Kong on 26 July and
that at the same time a Bill will be published seeking to amend
the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance by the deletion of sub
sections 10(2) and 10(4). The Bill will be passed through
CONFIDENTIAL
/Legislative