TNAG-0552-FCO40-647-Allegations-of-corruption-and-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-police-an-1975 — Page 191

CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL

Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SW1

Telephone 01-

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18.7)

HE Sir Murray MacLehose KCMG KCVO MBYour reference

HONG KONG

Our reference

Date

REX:

#EF.

T

AKKN ||

17 September 1975

Dear Murray,

FUGITIVE OFFENDERS ACT

1. Duncan Watson wrote to you on 19 April 1974 about possible amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Act so as to make it possible to return people for trial in Hong Kong for offences which are not regarded as crimes under UK law.

2. A few days later, before the Department could put up the submission to which Duncan referred, we received the first news of the evidence that Godber had accepted a bribe. Andrew Stuart therefore decided to hold the submission until the outcome of Godber's case was known; and this, of course, entailed a longer delay than he originally envisaged.

3. I am now considering whether to recommend, after such a long interval, that we should still take this question up with the Home Office. It could be argued that, following Godber's return and successful conviction, amendment to the Act is now less important in public relations terms. But there is always the possibility, of course; that the circumstances of Godber's case might be repeated.

14. Before going any further at this end, I should be very grateful for your latest views on the matter. This is, perhaps, something I could usefully discuss with John Hobley or Jack Cater, if not with yourself, while I am in Hong Kong.

Jours eur,

Leverence

PL O'Keeffe

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.

CONDIDENTAL AND PERSONAL