TNAG-0678-FCO40-827-Allegations-of-corruption-and-bribery-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 29

CONFIDENTIAL

Note of a discussion with Mr. J.A.B. Stewart, OBE, Hong Kong Department of the FCO at 2.00 p.m. on 22.3.77

Present:

CS

Mr. J.A.B. Stewart, OBE

Ag. AG

SCS

S for S (for ICAC matters only) DS (CS) 2

Mr. Stewart said that

he hoped that nothing further had been

heard from Madren or his MP and this case was now closed. He explained the reasons why the handling of this case had appeared peculiar to the FCO in the light of present day practice and opinion in Britain.

2.

Mr. Stewart agreed that there was an important difference between the permanent and the contract officer, that contract employment must remain the norm in the HK context and that it must be terminable. He stressed the need however to follow procedures scrupulously in view of the pressures in London. Since he had a small supporting staff, the difficult cases landed on his own desk and, although he had delegated authority to reply to petitions, questions from MPS had to be cleared with the Minister.

THIS IS A COPY THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN

CLOSED UNTIL

UNDER FOI

EXEMPTION No.3...

CONFIDENTIAL