2072
Aqued
In Gaminara
onsor
Sir L. Monson
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference.
At your weekly meeting yesterday I mentioned to you the attached telegram from the Governor of Hong Kong on the subject of the Prevention of Bribery Bill.
2.
I have shown the telegram to Sir James McPetrie and have discussed with him the form of a reply.
3. The attached draft embodies certain comments which Sir James McPetrie would like to be included and sent to the Governor in reply.
4. There is clearly considerable misunderstanding about this matter. In particular, I cannot under- stand the reason for the Governor's reference to "informal opinions from your Legal Advisers" in paragraph 2.
5.
Paragraphs 3 to 5 of the Governor's telegram contain little that has not previously been mentioned. However, paragraph 3(D) and (G) are interesting.
The latter does not mention the reactions of the Law Society or Bar Association. However, it is I think becoming clearer that the Bill including Clause 10 does have general public support.
6. The attached draft reply does not comment on paragraph 6 of the Governor's telegram since it would be premature to do so before the Bill had been con- sidered by Ministers.
7 I am sending copies of this minute and its attachemnts to Sir James McPetrie and Mr. Wilford.
•
Ak
A. W. Gaminara) Hong Kong Department
19 August, 1970
Tel. anthrazed for dark.
how 2070
CONFIDENTIAL