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made public, and it would alert Mr Godber himself and might
move him to try to leave this country, perhaps through a
loophole such as a trip to Ireland. Mr Allan Ellis has
recently sent a fairly helpful letter to the Hong Kong Federation
of Students, in which he tells them he is convinced that the FCO
are serious in their intention to find a way to return Mr Godber,
and counsels patience for the necessary consultations to take
place.
3. I recommend that the Hong Kong Government should be asked
to reply to the Federation of Students, on the Prime Minister's
behalf, to the effect that the possibility of amendment to the
Fugitive Offenders Act 1967 has been brought to the attention of
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and is under active
consideration.
I attach a draft telegram.
The department's
Legal Adviser agrees.
7 September 1973
2.1. honom.
RB Crowson
Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department
Cc:
Mr Rushford
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