TNAG-0406-FCO40-452-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 131

- 43

opportunity to make representations regarding his

(Section 10(2) of the Prevention

pecuniary resources.

of Bribery Ordinance].

(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 Godber 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

This gave him access to all parts of Kai Tak Airport. lack of liaison is to some extent, understandable in viow 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 case 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 Godbor 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

movements.