TNAG-0279-FCO40-315-Visit-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Aff-1970 — Page 76

Brief No. 11

VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG

APRIL 1970

PREVENTION OF BRIBERY BILL

SPEAKING NOTES

(It is recommended that the Secretary of State

should not allow himself to be drawn into discussion on points of detail beyond the limits covered by the following Speaking Notes)

General

Strong legislative measures to combat corruption are to be

welcomed.

I appreciate that the situation in Hong Kong is different

from the situation in the United Kingdom and I fully accept the

need to tighten up anti-bribery legislation.

Clause 10

But to make the possession of unexplained property by a

public officer a criminal offence is so exceptional and sc contrary

to our fundamental principles of justice that my colleagues and

will have to considor the matter very carefully. Te may indeed

feel it necessary to obtain the views of the Law Officers.

Other Outstanding Points

My Legal Advisers have not yet completed their examination

of the Bill in its amended form and I cannot, therefore, say

whether any other of its provisions will require consideration at

Ministerial level.

However, I have noted the points you have raised and they will

be taken fully into account before a conclusion is reached.