Chatham House Rule explained

By FLTLT Hyder Gulam

HOW many times have you attended an ADF presentation to hear the words “this presentation will discuss matters under the Chatham House Rule?”

This article is to inform you of this term, what it means and its effect.

The Royal Institute of International Affairs established the Chatham House Rule of Confidentiality in June 1927.

Located in Chatham House in London, the Institute was, and remains, a respected foreign policy think tank.

As an independent research organisation it gained the reputation as a place for the free and frank exchange of ideas. The aim of the Chatham House Rule – there is only one rule – was to guarantee the anonymity of those speaking within its walls.

In 2002, the Institute amended the rule as follows: “When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.”

This means that participants are free to use the information received and can also state that it was received at a Chatham House meeting.

It is interesting to note that Chatham House can take disciplinary action against a member who breaks the rule.

However, not all organisations that use the rule have sanctions. The rule depends for its success on being seen as morally binding.

The interesting aspect for those of us in the ADF is whether a breach of this rule amounts to a discipline offence under the Defence Force Discipline Act.

There is no doubt the Chatham House Rule has allowed people to speak as individuals and express views that may not be that of their organisation.

The rule encourages free discussion and the exchange of ideas as people are generally more relaxed when they are able to discuss matters without having to worry about their reputation or the implication of being publicly quoted.

FLTLT Hyder Gulam is a Legal Officer with Headquarters Training Command-Air Force.

.