TNAG-0407-FCO40-453-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 119

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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1

TP Carter Esq

13 Welford Close Lower Stratton Swindon Wiltshire

LT

REF.

Telephone 01-

Your reference

Our reference HKK 14/17

Date 7 August 1973

110

Thank you for your letter addressed to the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, which arrived on 31 July, about the case of ex-Chief Superintendent Godber in Hong Kong.

I agree that the allegations of corruption in the Hong Kong Police Force are serious. However, the Hong Kong Government are tackling this worrying problem with great vigour. The Governor, with the full support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, is determined to eradicate any corruption that exists.

It is indeed a great pity that Mr Godber was able to leave Hong Kong, but it should not be forgotten that, had it not been for the determined action of the police, the case might never have been uncovered at all. The Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Government are continuing their efforts to uncover evidence which will enable Mr Godber to be sent back to Hong Kong. In the circumstances, we do not think that a United Kingdom Commission of Enquiry would be appropriate at this time.

R B Crowson

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department

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