TNAG-0405-FCO40-451-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 56

ALURET

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opportunity to make representations regarding his

pecuniary resources.

of Bribery Ordinance].

•

[Section 10(2) of the Prevention

(b) Failure on the part of all concerned with the investi-

gation to appreciate fully the likelihood that Godber

would attempt to depart from Hong Kong before 11th June

1973.

(c) Consequently, failure to seek the Governor's decision

in regard to Godber's interdiction which would have

resulted in Godbor surrendering his police warrant card. (d) Lack of liaison inside the Royal Hong Kong Police Force

which resulted in Godber being permitted to retain his

Civil Aviation Permit which conferred on him the

unrestricted right to cross the land/air barrier and

gave him access to all parts of Kai Tak Airport. This

lack of liaison is to some extent, understandable in

view of the inhibiting effect of section 30 of the

Ordinance. No one connected with the Anti-Corruption

investigation know that he was in possession of such a

valuable permit. No one unconnected with the Anti-

Corruption investigation had any idea of the police

case against Godber. In particular they could not possibly have appreciated that because of section 10(2)

of the Ordinance, after 4th June Godber knew the full

strength of the police casc against him and had every

reason to try to leave Hong Kong before 11th June.

In any event, the practice in regard to the issue and

cancellation of these permits has been loose. The

Commissioner of Police has now issued instructions that

no member of the Force will be in possession of such a

permit except when on duty.

(e) failure to ask Godber if he would agree to surrender

his passport.

(f) failure to put Godber and rs. Godber on any kind of

surveillance. The police view was that surveillance

would be ineffective. Therefore they made no attempt

at all to keep an eye on Godber's or rs. Godber's

movcments.