CO129-590-18 Cressall Anti-Graft Commission- MacGregor (A R P) Commission on corruption 8-9-1941 - 7-11-1941 — Page 4

N. SECRET.

BY CLIPPER.

>

541024

5

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONG KONG.

7th November, 1941.

PF of

My Lord,

Campbell. (Copy below)

Enclosure No.1.

With reference to correspondence, ending with my secret telegram No.982 of 9th September, 1941, on the subject of the Commission of Inquiry which is investigating alleged malpractices in connection with the work of the Air Raid Precautions Department, I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that since receiving a report, of which I enclose a copy, by the Chairman of that Commission I have with the advice of my Executive Council appointed another Commission which is charged with the duty of enquiring generally into the existence of corruption in the Public Service. The terms of reference are set out in the

Enclosure No.2. accompanying copy of the proclamation appointing the Commission.

2.

You are doubtless aware of the concern which my predecessors have felt at the existence of a general belief in this Colony that corruption is prevalent in the Public Service. Since my arrival I have heard enough to convince me that the belief is widely held, and various disclosures in the past, including matters which have recently come to light in the course of the enquiries of the Air Raid Precautions Commission, have shown that it is not unfounded, though I am glad to be able to believe that the number of black sheep is greatly exaggerated in the public mind.

3. I welcome the opportunity which Mr. Cressall's report has provided of setting up a Commission of Inquiry, and, as I have informed the Commission, I do not regard the investigation of the facts reported by Mr. Cressall as its sole or even its most important function. There is reason to expect that evidence which would otherwise have been unobtainable may be made available as a result of the appointment of the Commission.

4. It was after full consultation with Sir Atholl MacGregor and in accordance with his own wish that I appointed him to be the sole Commissioner. The terms of reference were also settled in consultation with him and with his concurrence.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient, humble servant,

Mark for

Governor.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LORD MOYNE OF BURY ST. EDMUNDS, D.S.O.,

&C.,

&c.,

&C.