Press Reviews
26.7.72
1.8.70
THE GODBER CASE
More than 30 editorials have appeared in the papers after the first report of the Blair-Kerr Commission had been published. They can be considered in four catagories.
Five Most papers made an assessment of the contents. papers commented on the incident of July 26 when two reporters intruded into the restricted area of the airport without interference. Two commented on the amendment to the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and two on the criticisms made by newspapers in Britain on corruption in Hong Kong.
Assessment of the Blair-Kerr Report
I.
General comments:
-
Hong Kong Times (28.7.73) "The report serves as an attempt to "Shut
the door of the stable after the horse is gone. But, it is better than no action at all. To a certain extent, it helped to prove the authorities' determination to fight corruption and prevent similar occurences in future. It also showed that the authorities were not afraid of involving more people."
Hong Kong Times (28.7.73) - "We came to know many facts after reading the
report, but we cannot help feeling disappointed with the way the authorities have dealt with the Godber case."
Kung Sheung Evening News (27.7.73) "The report is an "unreproachful document" which does not blame anyone for Godber's escape."
Tin Tin Yat Po (30.7.73) "The report involved sufficient effort and
sound judgement."
Sing Tao Jih Po (29.7.73) - "It is a thorough and detailed report. We believe that the Commission of Inquiry has tried its best to seek a fair conclusion. We get the impression that the remedies carried out by the Government are almost perfect."
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Wen Wei Po (28.7.73) (communist) "The contents of the report say very
little except to emphasize that
1.
no one helped Godber get away;
2.
3.
the officers involved in the case were honest and uncorrupt, and the authorities are determined to eradicate corruption.
But it is hard to make people believe in these conclusions."
Ching Po (30.7.73) (communist) - "The report gave a detailed account of
how Godber might have escaped, but it did not mention any suggestion as to how Godber might be extradited."
Hong Kong Evening News (27.7.73) (communist) "One thing proved by the report is that many laws in Hong Kong affect only the general public and not the privileged class."
Tin Fung Yat Po (30.7.73) (communist) "What the public is concerned
about is not the report itself but when we can have Godber back!"
12.
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