Chatham rules

[barmy]

What is the origin of the above phrase, I understand the meaning to be "what is said in a meeting remains in the meeting, including sensitive issues" and is quoted often in my organisation.

Regards

[stewey]

Barmy, if you have only heard the term quoted and not actually seen it written, perhaps what you are hearing is not 'chatham' but 'chatting' or 'chattin''. In other words: "Please, people, no chatting about this meeting after we leave this room".

[THECORBYLOON]

See here for the explanation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatham_House_rul es

[stewey]

Oooohhhh, Corby, your answer is better than mine I must admit............So much for me being a linguistic detective!

[barmy]

Thanks Corby, always wondered why we use this rule in meetings. I do work in the government!

[VS Prasad]

"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".

http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/about/chathamho userule/

Whenever people mutter confidentially that they are telling you something under 'Chatham House rules' they mean you can use the information but you must cover your tracks, and not attribute views to any particular person. Chatham House is the location of the Royal Institute for International Affairs.

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/14/me ssages/600.html