3.
Mr. Prentice said he was content that the team should go with this remit, on the understanding that fresh instructions would be sent to them on the staffing issue, which would take account of the results of their own enquiries in Hong Kong and further consideration by officials in London. Even if the official discussions showed there was no U.K. precendent for treating M.P.B.W's Hong Kong employees in the way he proposed, he still felt that that solution was equitable, and if the Commonwealth Office were reluctant to accept it as a basis for the U.K. Government's policy it might be necessary to refer the matter to the Defence and Oversea Policy Committee again.
Sir Arthur Galsworthy said a reply must be sent to the Governor's telegram. He suggested that he might send it, indicating that Ministers were still considering the points made in the Governor's telegram of 9th January; that a team would be going out to discuss arrangements for the transfer of minor works and maintenance for the internal security forces; and would also propose the take-over of all other works services for the Forces; and would wish to have explora- tory discussions on the transfer of staff, subject to further instruc- tions from U.K. Ministers. Mr. Prentice said the telegram should also express the disappointment of the U.K. Government at the Governor's attitude, but Mrs. Hart was unable to agree with this view.
After further discussion it was agreed that;
(1) Sir Arthur Galsworthy, in consultation with M.P.B. W. and
Ministry of Defence, would draft a telegram to the Governor on the lines he had proposed;
(2)
(3)
Sir Arthur Galsworthy would call a meeting with M.P.B.W., Ministry of Defence and Treasury officials to consider precedents for the transfer of M.P.B. W. staff on the terms proposed to the Hong Kong Government;
the results of the official discussion would be reported to the Ministers concerned who would consider what further action needed to be taken.
Mr. Prentice emphasised that any departure from the conclusions of the D.O.P.C. on 19th December would require a further reference to that Committee, and it would be up to either of the other Ministers to initiate this if they were not content to abide by the previously agreed policy.
Copy to:
R. G. S. JOHNSTON
19th January, 1967
P.S./Minister of State, Commonwealth Office P.S./Minister of Defence (Administration) Sir Arthur Galsworthy
Mr. Carter
Mr. Dromgoole
Sir Mark Tennant
Mr.
Stretton