CONFIDENTIAL
pe with however
continue to explore the possibility of a change ony
general grønne which would not effect Galler, a but would be based solely on the inappropriatisess of the dombre
Criminality
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. These arguments have
not, however, prevailed. We have always said that we
could only get a change in the Fugitive Offenders Act
through Parliament if it was broadly acceptable to
at this moment both Parties. It is evident that this is not the
case. Mr Royle has therefore concluded with regret
that we have no option but to accept that we cannot in the contract of now change the Fugitive Offenders Act I am sorry.
4. Paradoxically this may have the result of making
it easier for us to accept other changes, particularly
in your Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. It would
undoubtedly have been more difficult to get agreement
to provisions which diverge even further from law and
practice in this country, if we were trying at the same
time to argue in Parliament that we must return all
fugitive offenders to you because we control and
approve your legislation.
COLONIAL REGULATIONS
5. As we said in our telegram No 938 (for the rapid drafting of which I apologise) we take it that your
aim is to get rid of a corrupt officer quickly and
quietly. This must obviously include making it
difficult for him to make a fuss in this country when
he gets back with allegations of victimisation.
(17259) Dd,897459 250m 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
(16941) Dd.897300 250m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
/Equally