TNAG-0407-FCO40-453-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 113

CONFIDENTIAL

118/2

5. Dependent Territories Departmental Practice says that

Royal Commissions on the internal affairs of a Dependent

Territory have not been appointed from the United Kingdom for

many years. The procedure for setting up such a Commission

would be as in Volume 2, Part 1, Paragraph 9(i) of Diplomatic Procedure (copy attached). A Commission apprints by HMG would be simpler.

6. In talking to the Governor, Mr Royle will doubtless wish

to ask him what his reaction to either proposal would be.

Clearly a decision on whether to adopt either would be strongly

influenced by the Governor's views. But if in the end we are

going to appoint a Commission, it would I think be better to

do so soon, rather than be seen to do so only when the pressure

for one had become irresistible and after we had gone on

refusing one.

7. I attach a copy of my submission on the Godber case to

Mr Grattan; and of the Blair-Kerr Report.

8 August 1973

CC:

Overseas Police Adviser

CONFIDENTIAL

2.1. Conser

R B Crowson

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department