TNAG-0407-FCO40-453-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 127

t

3

(C) Extradition of Godber

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

All the papers wanted to see Godber extradited.

Does it mean that a decision has been made at this juncture that Godber will not be extradited? If so, people will get the impression that the Hong Kong Government has not done its best to curb corruption, and the British Government is protecting officers who are corrupt. (Kung Sheung Yat Po 28.7.73).

The British Government should assume responsibility for helping Hong Kong to extradite Godber. Otherwise, the people of Hong Kong will not only suspect that some officers in Hong Kong are trying to protect Godber, but that the British Government itself is turning a blind eye to the evil deeds of overseas British. (Sing Tao Man Po 31.7.73).

Emphasis has continually been placed on the fact that extradition of Godber is not possible. We strongly disapprove of this. Hong Kong

is a British colony and it should not be too difficult for the British Government to "convince" or "ask" Godber to return to Hong Kong and explain his wealth to the Hong Kong Government. (Hong Kong Times 28.7.73).

Godber is now staying in Britain. Why can't we "ask" him to come back to assist in solving this case of corruption? The so-called "restrictions of the law" and "customs", etc. will not convince the people. We ask the Hong Kong Government to show sincerity and determination to get Godber back. If this cannot be done, the public will lose faith in senior European Government servants. (Wah Kiu Yat Po 28.7.73).

There is no law in Britain which requires a civil servant to explain his wealth, yet, if the Hong Kong Government asks Britain to return a British employee, the British Government ought to try and meet its wishes. The Hong Kong Government might even freeze Godber's money until he gives an explanation about its sources. (Nam Wah Man Po 28.7.73).

Both Hong Kong and London are under British rule. If a person had committed a crime on Hong Kong Island but escaped to Kowloon, or vice versa, he could be arrested in either place just the same. Why cannot Godber be summoned back to Hong Kong? People suspect that the British and the Hong Kong authorities are deliberately being permissive towards Godber for fear that further actions may reveal more scandals and involve more people. (Fai Po 29.7.73, Ching Po (communist) 27.7.73).

In view of the close relationship between Britain and Hong Kong, it should not be impossible to extradite Godber unless there is an intention not to do so. (Hong Kong Daily News 29.7.73).

(Note: So far, Ming Po is the only paper which has agreed that the British Government is absolutely right not to permit Godber to be extradited. "We find Godber's escape regretful, but the law must not make compromises and the basic principle of the law has to be maintained under all circumstances," the paper emphasized.)

14.