TNAG-0260-FCO40-296-Legislation-for-prevention-of-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 185

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

W(B)L 51-7406

-12-

to

it is wise to attempt or impose on a

territory the acceptance of principles which,

although accepted without question in this

country, may not fit the situation as it

exists in that territory. The Governor and

his advisers feel very strongly that Clause 10

should be retained. Ministers are aware that

our relations with Hong Kong during recent

years have not been altogether happy.

The Governor's unofficial (and to some

extent, his official) advisers, supported

by public opinion as expressed in the local

press, argue that Britain should not interfere

in local affairs. The Governor has stated

that he would find himself in considerable

difficulty in defending the removal of the

Clause in question, He has in fact gone so

far as to say that he might have to use his

official majority in the Legislative Council

if the Bill is to be enacted without Clause

"Recommendations

#

23. Un balance therefore I recommend that

Clause 10 should be retained, but that before

Ministers decide to accept this recommendation

they should obtain the views of the Law

Officers as suggested by the Legal Advisers

and as provided for in Diplomatic Service

Procedure (Annex........). The object

of such consultation would be to ascertain

whether, in the event of subsequent criticism

in Parliament, the Law Officers would feel

able to support Ministers.

Clause 15

24-I recommend that the Governor should be

asked to amend this Clause in accordance with

the advice of the Legal Advisers in paragraph

18 above.