TNAG-0551-FCO40-646-Allegations-of-corruption-and-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-police-an-1975 — Page 98

CONFIDENTIAL

LAST REF.

126

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33

(129,

Mr Male

To

PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts

,bulan

Amended

Juli-2716

MP'S LETTER: EX-CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT GODBER

(126

1.

Mr B Godman Irvine MP (Conservative, Rye) has written to Mr Ennals on behalf of his constituent, Mrs Peter Godber.

2.

Two months

In February, after protracted legal proceedings in this

country which resulted in his extradition to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong District Court found Mr Godber guilty of corruption and conspiracy and sentenced him to four years in prison. later, the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal. The London solicitors who acted for the Hong Kong Government in the case recently heard a rumour that Mr Godber is considering a petition to Her Majesty in Council for special leave to appeal to the 124123 Judicial Committee; but the Governor has been unable to confirm Flags A, this (FCO telegram no. 486 and Hong Kong telegram no. 610).

Flag

128

Flag

129/€

3.

The Department has sent a copy of Mr Godman Irvine's letter to Hong Kong, requesting their urgent comments. Prisoners in the United Kingdom are allowed to write letters once a week with

the postage paid from public funds and they may write an additional weekly letter if they pay for the postage themselves out of their prison earnings; it seems that Mr Godber is being treated rather harshly in comparison. On the other hand, although under the Colonial Prisoners Removal Act 1884 it might be possible for

Mr Godber to be transferred to this country to serve the remainder

of his sentence, it is unlikely that the Governor would wish this. Mr Godber was found guilty in Hong Kong of offences committed in the Colony; and his extradition from the United Kingdom and subsequent conviction gave a considerable boost to the morale and prestige of the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Whether or not Mr Godber would in fact be any happier or more comfortable in a UK prison, the Hong Kong public would undoubtedly regard his removal, if it occurred, with the utmost suspicion.

CONFIDENTIAL

/4.