TNAG-0405-FCO40-451-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 55

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Conclusions

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(1) Godber left Hong Kong at approximately 2.30 p.m. on Friday

8th June 1973 by Singapore Airlines flight SQ631. In all

probability, he did so without the active assistance of any

person. The probability is that he did not attempt to pass through Immigration Control because his name had been put on the Watch List and any attempt on his part to pass through Immigration Control in the ordinary way would have resulted in his being stopped and detained. In all probability, having checked in and obtained his boarding pass, he passed the constable on duty at the west (no.5) gate wearing his Civil

Aviation Department permit which gave him unrestricted access to all parts of the airport. Having got through the land/air barrier, he simply walked up the "finger" or ramp which leads directly into the transit/departure lounge, surrendered his boarding pass in the usual way and boarded the plane with the

other passengers.

(2) He arrived at Heathrow Airport, London, on Saturday 9th June 1973

on a flight from somewhere on the Continent of Europe.

(3) After Godber's flat had been searched on 4th June, the Police

decided to arrest him at the carliest possible opportunity; but,

they were precluded from doing so prior to 11th June because the Attorney General had been forced by law to give Godber a reasonable opportunity to make representations in regard to his

pecuniary resources totalling 4.3 million.

(4) On 7th June the Assistant to the Attorney General (Mr. Penlington)

discussed with the Director of the Anti-Corruption Office,

Mr. Morrin, the timing of Godber's arrest on 11th June and his appearance before the court, on the assumption that the Attorney general would decide to proceed. Mr. Penlington informed

Mr. Morrin that he would appear for the prosecution before

the magistrate and oppose bail; and that the intention was

that on 14th June the case would be transferred to the District Court for it, tool.

(5) Godber's departure from Hong Kong was made easier by the

following:-

(a) the 7 days delay in effecting his arest because the Attorney General was forced to give him a reasonable