-4-
me matter delayed.
(iv) The clause may well not be
used very frequently but it is an
essential ingredient of the
legislation, not only because
it is a strong deterrent (fear
of being found out is the main
deterrent to corruption and since
bribery is normally a two-way
exchange of benefits the law
otherwise will not be a strong deterrent); but also because it
is evidence of a determination
to tackle corruption vigorously.
The Governor has stated that cases
exist now which could be proceeded
with if the provisions of the
clause were in force but on which
no progress is possible without
them.
(v) The excision of the clause
after its publication and acceptance:
by representative bodies in Hong
Kong will be seen to have been
done at HMG's insistence and public
servants and the public will draw
the conclusion that HMG do not
regard corruption as a particularly
serious matter and that it can be
indulged in with comparative
impunity. (This point arises only
because the Bill was originally
published in Hong Kong without
prior reference to the FCO
FCO)
9 A summary of the course of events
leading to the present position is attached
at Appendix A.
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
15.......