TNAG-0407-FCO40-453-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 36

學聯

OUR REF:

YOUR REF:

HKFS

hong kong federation of students 香港專上學生聯會

50a, lutheran bldg., 1st fl., rm. 101 waterloo rd. kowloon, hong kong 九龍窩打老道五十號A 信義樓二樓 101 室

2

telephone 3-888137, 3-311234

telegram "HKFSTUDENT"

With all these sanctions, the U.K. should be the last to fear that Hong Kong's criminal code is being exploited for the purposes of political persecution.

As representatives of the HKFS pointed out in a recent discussion with a Labour MP over the question of amending the Fugitive Offenders Act, a consideration of the appointments to Hong Kong's Judiciary is not out. place. Hong Kong's judges are appointed by the Governor in accordance with such instructions as he may receive from the Secretary of State, and they serve during Her Majesty's pleasure. Hong Kong's highest court of appeal, the Privy Council, includes all the Law Lords from the House of Lords, UK's highest court of appeal. There is no reason why the UK should have the slightest doubt about the competence of Hong Kong's Judiciary to do justice, and to be manifestly seen doing justice.

In conclusion, we submit that s.4 (which contains general restrictions on extradition) is a sufficient safeguard against political persecution and that there is no reason why s.3(1) (c) should be retained so far as extradition to Hong Kong is concerned.

The general public in Hong Kong are indignant over the escape of Godber. It is no answer to the question "why isn't Godber brought back to Hong Kong" to say that "because the UK law says that he is not returnable under UK law." This may well be a good answer to the question "why is Godber protected by the UK Law". But the public in Hong Kong is not asking that question: the public is asking and will keep on asking the question "why should Godber be protected by the UK law?" Is it because the UK endorses the conduct and be- haviour of Godber? Is it because the UK considers herself to be under a moral obligation to protect Godber? Or is it because the UK Government is minded to "accord to the Colony an imperial brush off?"

But, if there is no good reason why Godber should be protected by the UK law, then change the law and do what the UK should?

We look forward to hearing from you on this and on our reply death previous correspondence.

on 17 August.

Yours truly,

C.C.

Governor, Hong Kong Members of UK Parliament

Press

Fund Tze Cheong

Acting President,

HK Federation of Students.