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corrupt in high places. He had spoken to Mr Prendergast
in Malta, who was receptive to the proposal and happy
to have a civilian superior. The High Commissioner in
Valetta agreed about his suitability.
9. Mr Royle said that Mr Tom Pendry, MP, had told
the Secretary of State that he personally would support
hand
changes in the Fugitive Offenders Act. He suggested,
(now, specifiills)
as on alternative, that some Scotland Yard officers
should be sent to Hong Kong to investigate the Godber
affair and look for evidence to support extraditable
charges. Would there be resentment in the police if
this was done? It would show that HMG were trying to
get Mr Godber back. Sir M MacLehose said he thought
there might be resentment, but the idea was worth
In the longer team, be
exploring.
had already asked the Yard for some
officers to help Mr Prendergast.
10. Mr Stuart asked about Sir Alastair Blair-Kerr's
second report. If it was published without a statement
of what action was to be taken, there would be increased
pressure for the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry
from this country. Sir M MacLehose said that
Sir Alastair had told him that he would let him see
the report in draft. Unfortunately this had not
happened, and it contained some loose phrases which
the press might seize on. He would send a telegram
to Hong Kong to say that there should be no question.
of publication or the preparation of an ExCo paper
before his return. Ne Stuart remarked that someone
in the Overseas Police Adviser's Office had told-
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ex inspector Ellis
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