TNAG-0260-FCO40-296-Legislation-for-prevention-of-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 226

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(3)

those opponents can be expected to brief sympathisers

in this country, and such sympathisers are likely

to be proportionately more numerous than those who

would support them in Hong Kong itself. These

sympathisers can be expected to raise the matter

with Ministers either in Parliament or by deputations,

e.g. from Justice or both. The pressure may well be

comparatively severe.

Rejecting his proposal

(1)

(2)

It will be public property in Hong Kong that

excisions in the Bill will have been made on the

insistence of Ministers here.

There will be strong criticism from Unofficial

Members of Council and the general public on the

grounds that H.M.G. are unreasonable refusing to

allow Hong Kong to tackle corruption in a comprehen-

sive way.

This will intensify existing resentment

and "British interference" in Hong Kong's affairs,

it being argued that the Bill has passed the full

rigour of public scrutiny in the Colony.

(3)

Public servants and the public

-

at any rate those

members of the public who are inclined to bribe

public servants will conclude that H.M.G. do not

*

after all regard corruption as a particularly

serious matter, and corrupt practices can be expected

to spread still further.

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/(4)...