J J Ridge Esq
Independent Commission against Corruption
New Rodney Block
1st Floor, Last wing
99 Queensway
HONG ŁUNG
233-4377
Mu. 380/2
16 May 197n
5:3
19
64)
100500 INTERGOVITAL WORKING GROUP ON CORRUPT PRACTICE
1.
Ja
I am sorry to have been so long in replying to your letter of 7 March 1977 but I now enclose a paper prepared by the Secretariat of
COLOC, reference /aC.64/7, on which were based the discussions of the Intergovernmental Working Group at their meeting on 28 March-8 April.
2.
I understand there was inconclusive discussions about the manifold practical and legal difficulties - especially over disclosure of payment which would be caused by a binding agreement. The UK, in common with most other members of the Nine, believes that there would be value in some sort of general agreement or convention, primarily to foster the creation of a strong current of public opinion against bribery. Such a convention might contain general principles and guidelines as well as provisions codifying existing arrangements.
The UK would not rule out
other possibilities, such as a Code of Practice.
3. The Working Group's fourth session is due to take place from 27 June- 1 July when there will doubtless be further discussions of the legal complexities. The Working Group will also have to agree to a report to the summer COLOC. at the moment, it appears likely that this will be
an inconclusive document.
Encl
T Duffy
Hong Kong & General Department