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Comments on specific aspects:
(A) Escape of Godber
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Where did Godber get his $4.3 million from? (Hong Kong Times 28.7.73, Wah Kiu Yat Po 28.7.73). The authorities must ascertain from where the money came. If it is proved to have been obtained illegally, it should be frozen. (Hong Kong Times 28.7.73).
Godber's escape was made possible by two facts the spirit of the British law and the inadequate precautionary measures taken by the Police. (Ming Po 28.7.73).
Had the police kept an eye on Godber's behaviour before the incident was discovered? If not, the police should explain why they had not
If they had, why had Godber not been stopped from taking bribes in the very beginning? (Wah Kiu Yat Po 28.7.73).
done so.
When the police searched Godber's flat, it was confirmed that he had been involved in corruption. However, the police could not arrest him then. This illustrates that the law of Hong Kong is out of date and is unable to cope with the new social environment. (Kung Sheung Yat Fo 28.7.73).
The authorities concerned had asked the Immigration Department not to let Godber leave long Kong, but why had they allowed him to keep his pass which enabled him to gain free access to the tarmac? (Wen Wei Po (communist) (28.7.73).)
The report stressed that Godber's escape was not helped by anyone. This is hardly convincing. Even if nobody deliberately let him off, some people must have neglected their duty. Shouldn't these people be punished?
(Hong Kong Times 23.7.73, New Life Evening Post 27.7.73, Ming Po 29.7.73).
The negligence involved in this incident should not be brushed aside as mere technical errors. People can interpret it as part of a plan to let off Godber. (Kung Sheung Yat Po 28.7.73).
(B) Evidence against Godber
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The police have on hand a list of the names and addresses of certain vice dens. If they start investigations into these dens, they will undoubtedly find witnesses, but these people will not come forward to give evidence unless they are "forced" to do so by the police. (Ming Po 29.7.73).
Godber could not have received bribes from vice-dens through direct dealings. There must have been some "middle men" involved. The vice den operators know who they are, but as they are an "almighty" lot, the Anti-corruption Office will have a hard time trying to bring them to justice. (Truth Daily 31.7.73).
Godber must have had some assistants or accomplices. The Government should track them down. (Sing Tao Man Po 27.7.73, Wah Kiu Man Po 1.8.73).
Godber's victims have not come forward to complain about their losses because they themselves have been receiving bribes from other "victims". As we see it, corruption is an endless chain. (Hong Kong Evening News (communist) 27.7.73).
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