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an enquiry. Apart from this, there was a television programme
last night, which I myself did not see, in which I understand
that Mrs Elsie Elliott alleged that for the Anti-Corruption
Bureau to be in charge of the investigations was a case of the
corrupt investigating the corrupt. Finally, it seems that
there is somebody of opinion even in Hong Kong which would
welcome a UK enquiry. "Town Talk" of 2 August said that several
people there had suggested that the British Government should
now launch a full separate investigation into the Godber case.
3. As against this, a UK enquiry would be a major blow to
Hong Kong's amour propre. It would be seen as implying a lack
of confidence by HMG in Hong Kong's ability to run their own
affairs honestly. It would be a blow to Police morale,
especially if the enquiry were to be concentrated solely on the
Police Force which has regarded itself as one of the world's
best. It would also go against statements we have made in the
past to Mr Ellis, amongst others, that we do not consider a UK
enquiry necessary.
4.
I have consulted the Overseas Police Adviser about the
relative merits of the two proposals mentioned by Mr Royle. I
attach Mr Macoun's views. He considers that a Commission of
Enquiry would be preferable, mainly because of the effect on
police morale in sending out UK police officials to investigate
corruption in their service; and because such Police Officers
would be dependent on the Anti-Corruption Branch for sources
of information and general support.
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15.