TNAG-0407-FCO40-453-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 112

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an enquiry. Apart from this, there was a television programme

last night, which I myself did not see, in which I understand

that Mrs Elsie Elliott alleged that for the Anti-Corruption

Bureau to be in charge of the investigations was a case of the

corrupt investigating the corrupt. Finally, it seems that

there is somebody of opinion even in Hong Kong which would

welcome a UK enquiry. "Town Talk" of 2 August said that several

people there had suggested that the British Government should

now launch a full separate investigation into the Godber case.

3. As against this, a UK enquiry would be a major blow to

Hong Kong's amour propre. It would be seen as implying a lack

of confidence by HMG in Hong Kong's ability to run their own

affairs honestly. It would be a blow to Police morale,

especially if the enquiry were to be concentrated solely on the

Police Force which has regarded itself as one of the world's

best. It would also go against statements we have made in the

past to Mr Ellis, amongst others, that we do not consider a UK

enquiry necessary.

4.

I have consulted the Overseas Police Adviser about the

relative merits of the two proposals mentioned by Mr Royle. I

attach Mr Macoun's views. He considers that a Commission of

Enquiry would be preferable, mainly because of the effect on

police morale in sending out UK police officials to investigate

corruption in their service; and because such Police Officers

would be dependent on the Anti-Corruption Branch for sources

of information and general support.

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15.