TNAG-0408-FCO40-454-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 132

Mr Wilford

CONFIDENTIAL

HICKIN

173

(157)

149

15

GODBER AND THE 1967 FUGITIVE OFFENDERS ACT

1.

The Hong Kong Federation of Students have written to the

Prime Minister forwarding a letter published in the South China

Morning Post of 16 August which suggests that a way out of the

Godber dilemma could be found by way of amendment to the

Fugitive Offenders Act 1967. This suggestion was also taken up

by two MPs who recently visited Hong Kong, who are reported as

saying that they would be prepared to support such amendments

to the Fugitive Offenders Act as would be necessary to permit

the return of Mr Godber to Hong Kong. Sir Alastair Blair-Kerr

has also recommended that the Act should be amended in the

second part of his Inquiry Report which may be published before

the end of September (Hong Kong Tel No 988). The question of

amendment to the Act is dealt with in Mr Stuart's submission

of 29 August (attached). At Mr Royle's request advice on the

point is now being sought by our Legal Advisers from the Attorney

General's department; and also from the Home Office. We shall

be discussing the matter with the Governor on 11 September.

2.

-

There is growing public feeling in Hong Kong and to some

extent in this country that Mr Godber has not been sent back

because HMG do not want to send him. A forthcoming reply to

the Hong Kong Federation of Students may help to convince them

that we are concerned to find a way to enable Mr Godber to be

returned to Hong Kong. It would, however, run the risk of being

CONFIDENTIAL

/made