TNAG-0816-FCO40-1022-Police-corruption-Independent-Commission-Against-Corruption--1978 — Page 212

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MR JACK CATER: INDEPENDENT COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION HONG KONG

1. During his meeting with the Governor of Hong Kong in December 1977, Lord Goronwy-Roberts suggested that Mr Cater should come to

England in order to be able to answer press questions about rela- tions between the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Royal Hong Kong Police (RHKP). The Minister of State has

since asked when Mr Cater is coming here.

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2. Since the Governor's return I have heard nothing from

Hong Kong about any proposal to send Mr Cater to London. I imagine that the suggestion has slipped the Governor's mind.

Lord Goronwy-Roberts may consider that it is now three months since the near mutiny in the Hong Kong Police and that the immediacy of press interest in the affair has died down. On the other hand it is obviously desirable that the Minister of State should have an opportunity to discuss the affair with Mr Cater and to hear his views on relations between ICAC and the RHKP as well as his opinion

on the internal state of the Police Force. Mr Cater, being some-

what detached from the Force, but intimately concerned with them, is probably well placed to give an independent assessment.

3. I suggest, however, that the best time for Mr Cater to come to London would be after the Home Office team presently in Hong Kong have completed their investigation and made their recommendations to the Governor. The leader of the team, Mr Crane, should be returning to the United Kingdom in February and it might be convenient if he and Mr Cater could see the Minister of State

at about the same time.

4. If the Minister of State agrees with this view, I shall write to the Governor suggesting Mr Cater might come home for a short visit in February for discussions with the Minister, but that unless there is a resurgence of press interest, he should not be specifically exposed to the press during his visit.

31 January 1978

cc:Mr Cortazzi; OPA

Slant

JAB Stewart

Hong Kong & General Dept

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