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25
Wednesday, October 17, 1973
Combatting corruption will not just be a matter of investigation
and prosecution. As Sir Alastair has pointed out, there is much history
behind corruption in Hong Kong and deeply ingrained attitudea are involved.
The Commissioner will therefore have a civil unit whose main task will
lie in educating the public as to the evils of corruption not only from
the point of view of the recipient but also from that of the giver. It'
will also critically examine administrative procedures which lend themselves
to corrupt practices.
To combat corruption, good laws and good organization are essential,
but I put my trust principally in the services of sound men.
The Commissioner will be Mr. Cater, I hope his appointment will
commend itself to Honourable Members. I believe him to be uniquely qualified
to do the job. The Commissioner, like the Chairman of the Public Services
Commission, will have access to the Governor whenever he wishes. I need
scarcely say that I will take a very close personal interest in the
development of this Commission.
Hight I take this opportunity to say how intensely I appreciate the
public spirit of the Telephone Company, and in particular of the Chairman,
Dr. Lee, in releasing Mr. Cater from his contract, at very great inconvenience
to themselves, to allow him to undertake this service to Hong Kong.
We have taken very careful advice from the Overseas Police Adviser
to the Secretary of State and others on what outside help we should enlist to
get the operations unit of the Commission off to a good start, and build it up
into the highly expert, effective and dedicated organization that it must be
if it is to make headway. In the light of this advice we are appointing
immediately Mr. John Prendergast to be Director of Operations. His record
/as a
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