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started, for offences committed prior to 1977. This was done in the belief that the bulk of cases involving syndicated corruption had already been dealt with. The intention was not to appease the militants (most of whom being already under investigation were not covered anyway) but to isolate them by taking away the support they enjoyed from the bulk of the rank and file. This was underlined by the Governor's refusal to yield to further pressure
from the militants to extend the amnesty.
There
4. As far as one can judge at this distance and so soon after the event, the amnesty seems to have achieved this purpose. is no support from the bulk of the Police Force for the militants' pressure for further action. Most of the police, having
pledged their loyalty to the Government and undertaken in future to pursue their grievances only through established channels, are now working normally.
Reaction to the Amnesty
5. In Hong Kong the amnesty appears to have been greeted initially with dismay, since the Hong Kong public did not like to see the Government apparently acting under duress. But they were reassured by the Governor's subsequent firmness and his general stand now seems to enjoy support from all sectors in Hong Kong. In the UK press interest has been limited but such as there was tended to show a lack of understanding both of what ICAC has already achieved and of the fact that it still remains very much in business. Similar misunderstandings in Parliament were dispelled by Lord Goronwy-Roberts' replies to questions raised by Lord Rhodes and others.
The Effect of the Amnesty
6. Our assessment is that the situation is under control in Hong Kong and that there is now no immediate threat to order and stability in the Colony. Although the militants have gained some prestige because of the partial success of their tactics,
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