TNAG-0198-FCO40-234-Prevention-of-bribery-bill-1969 — Page 12

Sir Arthur Grattan-Bellew

Reference...... HKK 14/38 2.3.

A number of queries on the Prevention of Bribery Bill behind (2) were raised by Mr. Rushford and yourself in your minute at (4). You will recall that these matters were discussed with Mr. Roberts, Attorney General, Hong Kong, in September and the outcome of those discussions is recorded at (7).

2. The Bill was published in Hong Kong for comment and was specifically referred to various Associations and other bodies for their views. As a result of the views expressed and of the points raised in discus- sion with Mr. Roberts, an amended draft Bill has been prepared. This amended draft was put to the Hong Kong Executive Council on 18 November under cover of an explanatory memorandum which set out the various views which had been expressed as a result of the publication of the original Bill.

3.

The Governor has recently handed to us the papers which are at front cover. These papers include a copy of the amended Bill; a copy of the explanatory memorandum Executive Council and a note by the Attorney General, Hong Kong, comment- ing on the points raised in (4).

4. The Governor has asked if we will give early consideration to the amended Bill with a view to giving him an opportunity of discussing with us, before he returns to Hong Kong on 12 December, any points on which we feel we would have to maintain our original objections.

5. We have just concluded our first round of talks with the Governor, but he will be visiting the Department again during the period 8 10 December and an opportunity for further discussions with him will arise during that period, probably on 9 December.

6. Will you please advise whether there are any matters arising out of the amended Bill, which still give cause for concern and which we should put to him. Will you also please say whether you would be available for discussions with the Governor during the period 8 10 December, preferably on 9 December.

Mats.

(A. W. Gaminara)

1 December, 1969 Hong Kong Department