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Unfortunately, there was a surprising development in what we thought was to be a satisfactory conclusion of the matter: the Assistant Editor (Features) of the Birmingham Evening Mail wrote us to say that they did not think it necessary to publish the letter from the Commissioner, ICAC. David has just written to the Editor to seek reconsideration of this decision and to ask that the Commissioner's letter be published to put Lenehan's remarks in context. A copy of this letter is also attached.
This brings you up-to date and all we can do for the time being is to hope that the Editor of the Birmingham Evening Mail will, after all, publish ICAC's letter. When that happens (touch wood that it does happen!) we will send Mr Dawson a clipping.
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Turning now specifically to Mr Dawson's letter to Mr Wolfson, I must comment on the point raising on page two about the truth not having been published before.
This is not true and I told Mr Dawson so. The ICAC year after year in its Annual Report makes the point that many policemen had remained honest and are helping in the combat against corruption. The Commissioner, ICAC in mány public speeches and discussions, personally reiterates the same point. When MPs, media and other visitors go to the ICAC from overseas, the same point is invariably put to them. Regrettably, good news is not "good" news and so, more often than not, such points are not covered in subsequent media stories about Hong Kong's efforts against corruption.
This, I trust, gives proper perspective to Mr Dawson's query against the Hong Kong Government and I suggest Mr Wolfson be apprised.
I will keep you in the picture.
Regards
HCPLY/jf
Encl
cc Commissioner, ICAC
Your incisely
Helen CP Lai Yu
for Commissioner