HONG KONG: VISIT BY THE GOVERNOR, 19-24 JULY
BRIEF
APPENDIX B INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION (ICAC)
Line to Take
To congratulate the Governor on the achievements of the ICAC and to remind him of the need for the Commission to avoid methode which could expose it to legitimate criticism both in Hong Kong and in the UK.
Talking Points
1.
We continue to be impressed by the vigour of the ICAC's attack on corruption which certainly leaves no room for criticism here that the problem is not being tackled seriously.
2.
We have, however, been somewhat disturbed by complaints forwarded by MPs about some of the methods which the Operations Branch have been said to employ. Is there not a case for some
In particular adaptation without, of course, impeding efficiency? could not arrangements be made for detaining suspects other than in windowless rooms; and could not early morning calls on suspects be at a time when they might reasonably be expected to he awake? 3. These particular complaints were made in connection with the case of
Are we
We naturally defended the 10AC and, while there seema to be some reason to believe he was culpable, the evidence was patently insufficient to sustain a successful prosecution. quite satisfied that the Attorney-General's office looks sufficiently carefully at the ICAC case before authorising prosecution?
Background
1. The Commission was set up in 1974 following the revelations of the Godber case. Tts functions are to investigate complaints of corruption; to take steps for the prevention of corruption; and to
So far the main enlist community support for its elimination.
emphasis has been on the investigation of complaints and the
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