TNAG-0260-FCO40-296-Legislation-for-prevention-of-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 140

countries

CONFIDENTIAL

which Britain has responsibilities.

It has therefore been a serious matter for

Ministers, who would in due course have to advise

that the power of disallowance should not be

exercised in respect of the legislation containing

this Clause,to agree to the introduction of

legislation so completely contrary to British

standards of justice. The arguments in para. 6

of your Saving despatch under reference would

not carry much weight in this context.

3.

aftes

full rudy of the

Nevertheless Ministers being eonseious of

have concluded

the severity of the problem in Hong Kong consider

that they could defend the legislation,should the

Bill pass Legislative Council, on the political grounds that of ther!

(i) the wide prior circulation of the

had been widely circulated

Draft Bill in Hong Kong and

had been accepted

(ii) the acceptance of the Clause/in principle

and (116) A Thes

demonstaded

by two of the three Civil Service

were

Associations whose members/ directly concerned demonstrate the acceptance

by the Hong Kong public of the need

for measures, even of such a drastic

nature, to cope with corruption.(In

preparing defence on these lines we

would rely on reports in first eleven

paragraphs of your memorandum for

Executive Council of 6 November 1969).

Ministers therefore agree that you may

introduce the Bill containing Clause 10

in Legislative Council, but welcome

(11516) Dd.392077 300m 10/68 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

J

2

/suggestion

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN