TNAG-0409-FCO40-455-Allegations-of-bribery-and-corruption-in-the-Hong-Kong-polic-1973 — Page 47

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resources.

Blair-Kerr has said that this will only be effective

if the provision is widened to cover resources in the name of

near relatives because this is the obvious form of insurance

adopted by the corrupt. Unless HMG are prepared to allow

corruption to flourish then such special measures must be

approved in the context of Hong Kong because the measures

normally acceptable in this country simply will not work.

There is force in this explanation because, as a practical

matter, it represents the actual state of affairs and it is

for this reason that we have proposed going along with Hong Kong

subject to their production of a satisfactory text (their present

bid is contained in paragraph 12 of Hong Kong telegram no 1180.)

My own recommendation would be that, subject to the Legal

Adviser being satisfied that the Hong Kong text creates a

sufficient connection between the accused and the property held

by his relatives, we should go along with the Blair-Kerr

recommendation.

But we should have to do so in the clear

understanding of the political difficulty which this may cause

here.

16 October 1973

Copies to: Sir Duncan Watson

Mr Stuart

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