TNAG-0408-FCO40-454-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 16

CONFIDENTIAL

pe with however

continue to explore the possibility of a change ony

general grønne which would not effect Galler, a but would be based solely on the inappropriatisess of the dombre

Criminality

be changed on general grounds; that the application

of the double criminality rule to the dependent

territories, however deliberate, was illogical since

we control their legislation; and that we are not

proposing to change the law in respect of Section 10

of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance only, but of

all dependent territory legislation over which we

have the power of disallowance. These arguments have

not, however, prevailed. We have always said that we

could only get a change in the Fugitive Offenders Act

through Parliament if it was broadly acceptable to

at this moment both Parties. It is evident that this is not the

case. Mr Royle has therefore concluded with regret

that we have no option but to accept that we cannot in the contract of now change the Fugitive Offenders Act I am sorry.

4. Paradoxically this may have the result of making

it easier for us to accept other changes, particularly

in your Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. It would

undoubtedly have been more difficult to get agreement

to provisions which diverge even further from law and

practice in this country, if we were trying at the same

time to argue in Parliament that we must return all

fugitive offenders to you because we control and

approve your legislation.

COLONIAL REGULATIONS

5. As we said in our telegram No 938 (for the rapid drafting of which I apologise) we take it that your

aim is to get rid of a corrupt officer quickly and

quietly. This must obviously include making it

difficult for him to make a fuss in this country when

he gets back with allegations of victimisation.

(17259) Dd,897459 250m 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

(16941) Dd.897300 250m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

/Equally