TNAG-0410-FCO40-456-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 87

7

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Mr Youdé

Youge

PS Mr Koyle

Minister

318

R

agreed

LAST

REF.

Goy

322)

304

Flag R

317)

LETTER TO MR ROYLE FROM MR ALAN ELLIS

1. Mr Royle decided not to send the reply to Mr Ellis

submitted with my minute of 31 October, attached. He has

asked instead that the Governor should consider the possi-

bility of referring Ellis's case to the new Anti-Corruption

Commission.

2.

The danger in this proposal is that it is unlikely the

Commission will be able to find anything new, especially

after so long. If, after considering his case, the Commission

come up with the answer that his grievance is unfounded and

that nothing more can be done for him he is likely merely to

conclude that the Commission is a part of what he calls the

corruption conspiracy, and renew his demand for an outside

enquiry. We would then have gained nothing except a little

time. Nevertheless it is true that the new commission's

function is to dig deeper than has been possible with existing

machinery. It is thus conceivable that they may come up with

something relevant. I agree that while this possibility

exists we should not give Mr Ellis a final rebuff.

3.

I have accordingly sent a telegram to the Governor.

Meanwhile we need to reply to Mr Ellis. I submit a draft

letter accordingly.

6 November 1973

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department