The only way to change the situation at this
end would be to vary the double criminality rule.
To do this in such a way as to secure the return of
Mr Godber would, however, involve a number of
problems.
Parliament is generally unwilling to
enact retrospective legislation, or legislation
designed to catch one man. Moreover it could be
argued that a person should not be returned from
this country to face trial for something which we do
not here regard as a crime.
We are considering this whole question very
All
carefully, and I have discussed the problem at
length with the Governor of Hong Kong. We may yet
be able to find a way round these difficulties.
that I can say for the moment is that I doubt
whether a Private Members Bill would provide a
satisfactory way of resolving the problem.
MG.
12/us
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