2600224
C.S. 84
RESTRICTED
For discussion
on 5th August 1969
XCR(69)221
Copy No....of 27
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S AGENCIES IN LONDON
8/2/1
Introduction
It has for some time been recognised that the organisation of the Hong Kong Government's various agencies in London needs to be reviewed. Since its inception in 1946 the "London Office" (the major agency) has gradually acquired additional responsibilities and an ill-defined localised oversight of the other agencies. It was there- fore felt that the Colony's various activities in London should be brought together and co-ordinated within the framework of one organ- isation under the general control of the Director of the London Office. With this in mind, Mr W. V. Dickinson (formerly Principal Assistant Colonial Secretary) was appointed to study the existing arrangements and to make recommendations for the re-organisation of the Govern- ment's agencies in London.
2
The following paragraphs summarise Mr Dickinson's Report and his findings briefly, taking into account comments received from all interested Government parties, and conclude with recommendations for the consideration of Honourable Members.
General Background and Present Set-up
3
The various Hong Kong Government agencies in London to-day comprise the following four units:
(a)
The Hong Kong Government
Office
54, Pall Mall
(b) Hong Kong House
Lancaster Gate
(c)
The Hong Kong Students')
Office
)
Abbey House,
Victoria Street.
(d)
The Chinese Liaison
)
Office
(a)
4
The Hong Kong Government Office (London Office)
This originated as the Hong Kong Planning Unit established towards the end of the Second World War and was primarily concerned with the rehabilitation of the Colony after its liberation. With the passage of time, the activities of this Office became increasingly identified with Hong Kong's trading requirements. In recognition of this trend, responsibility for the London Office was transferred in 1955 from the Colonial Secretariat to the Director of Commerce and Industry,
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