TNAG-0550-FCO40-645-Allegations-of-corruption-and-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-police-an-1975 — Page 52

P.S.

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I have just seen Timms' letter of 21st February. I have already dealt with the position about corruption cases. It is, of course, quite impossible to say how many cases of other types of crime we have not proceeded with. I have already dealt with our position in relation to confession statements. There are, as you will know, many reasons why a criminal case may not be proceeded with. Perhaps the best thing that I can say is that we follow the same principles and practices as your Director of Public Prosecutions, and prosecuting counsel in England generally. The fact is that Mrs. Elliott has never been able to understand our role as prosecutors and it is undoubtedly this that has led to her suspicions that we are in league with the Police and others in some instances. Just as she has recently said that we are in effect

supporting syndicated corruption so she has in the past alleged, for example, that we cover up triad activities by not prosecuting.

Timms' letter does not give the context in which Johnson asked his question about us in the House. I do not, for example, know if it was limited to corruption cases. If it were, you have the material for a reply. If it related to all criminal cases, no figure can be given. There has obviously been quite a number of cases over the years in which we have declined to go ahead. I am a little concerned about an answer limited to that in the present climate and hope that you will at least be able to include an assurance that we follow English practice in this matter.

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