CONFIDENTIAL
profile. Wsty
Crowson (HKIOD)
Mr Cro
OPA/10 Reference.
liby included in ritmusain
The Royle.
ALLEGED CORRUPTION IN HONG KONG POLICE
(+1)
9/8
You asked that I should advise on the relative feasibility and effect of Mr Royle's proposals which he wishes to discuss with Sir Murray MacLehose.
2.
They are:-
(a)
and (b)
3.
The appointment of an external Commission of Enquiry into alleged corruption in the Hong Kong Police (and, presumably, the public service) by iG.
The secondment of a group of UK Fraud Squad Officers to the Hong Kong Police.
After careful consideration, I would advise that the former course would be the more desirable and effective.
4
•
My reasons are as follows:
(a)
(b)
Plus someo from Eco?
(c)
(a)
The appointment of an external UK Commission of Enquiry would indicate HMG's concern in widespread allegations of corruption in Hong Kong and its determination to endeavour not only to substantiate or disprove these allegations but also to accept its responsibility as the administering authority of what is a Crown Colony.
The composition of the Commission should, in my opinion, include one or more senior detective officers from the UK Police Service with fraud investigation experience.
It would clearly be necessary to include in the Commission an accountant and, probably, an officer with Colonial Service Administrative experience. The Chairman would presumably be a High Court judge. Again overseas experience (not in Hong Kong) would probably be desirable.
Although the secondment of a team of exper- ienced UK Fraud Squad officers might appear to be a simple short-cut to more effective investigation of corruption in the police and public services, I can see a number of obstacles inherent in such an operation.
(e) They will be largely dependent upon the
Hong Kong Police and, in particular, the Anti-Corruption Branch of that Force for co-operation and information.
CONFIDENTIAL
DD 897152 154596 500M 2/72 GM 3643/2
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