A
CONFIDENTIAL
BACKGROUND NOTE
1. For many years there have been allegations of corruption in the Hong Kong Police and Public Service. Following the escape of Ex-Chief Superintendent Godber from Hong Kong in June 1973 the Governor appointed Sir Alastair Blair-Kerr, the then Senior Puisne Judge, to investigate the circumstances surrounding Godber's departure and to propose further measures to combat corruption. On Sir Alastair's recommendation the Governor established an Independent Commission Against Corruption. This began operations in February 1974. Its functions are to investigate complaints of corruption, to take steps for the prevention of corruption and to enlist community support for
its elimination.
B.
2. The ICAC, in its first year of operation, made a successful start. It has received a good measure of support by the general public after a somewhat cynical reception when it 100 was first formed. The more successful the Commission is, the more corruption in Hong Kong receives publicity but the Hong Kong Government quite rightly take the view that this is a necessary concomitant of its activities.
3. An important development has been the successful recovery through legal proceedings of wealth acquired corruptly. There is reason to believe that this is causing increasing insecurity amongst those who have profited in the past from corrupt activities and those still involved. The activities of the
operations department have also contributed significantly to increasing public awareness of the problems of corruption and the determination of the Government to root it out.
CONFIDENTIAL
/44.