20
Mr Duffy
R
Hong Kong Department
RECEIVED IN
**2.51
10 MAY 1977
1+KK 380/2
UN WORKING GROUP ON CORRUPT PRACTICES
Reference
UNE
091/5
(2) кок
1. You asked some time ago for more information about this.
2.
The Group last met on 28 March - 8 April. Its discussions were based on the attached secretariat paper E/AC.64/7. There was inconclusive discussion about the manifold practical and legal difficulties especially over disclosure of payments, which would be caused by a binding agreement. The UK, in common with most other members of the Nine, believes that there would be value in some sort of general agreement or convention primarily to foster the creation of a strong current of public opinion against bribery. It might contain general principles and guidelines as well as provisions codifying existing arrangements. We should not rule out other possibilities such as a Code of Practice.
3. Some members of the Working Group have advocated consideration of payments to "illegal regimes in Southern Africa" as illicit payments. The UK remains of the view that civil trade with Southern African countries other than Rhodesia is perfectly legitimate.
4. The Working Group's fourth session is due to take place on 27 June - 1 July, when there will doubtless be further discussion of the legal complexities. The Working Group will also have to agree on a report to the summer ECOSOC. At the moment it appears likely that this will be an inconclusive document.
CODE 18-77
$S 10/76
10 May 1977
*...
20)
W Sinton
UN Department
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