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2600224
c.s. 84
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XCR(69)221
Kong in London" is considered by both Governments to be acceptable though not ideal, (The FCO have indicated informally that they would have no great objection to this cumbersome title being shortened to "Commissioner for Hong Kong" for colloquial and everyday use, provided the full title is retained for official purposes.) It has been made clear that so far as the functions of the head of the re-organised office are concerned, these will not include any "representational" functions in the formal meaning of the word, such as might appear to place this Government in the same position as, say, Australia or Canada. What is envisaged is an extension of the existing arrange- ments under which the head of the Hong Kong Government Office in London is in direct personal contact with British Government depart- ments and other authorities over matters of detail within established policies, and may be called upon to assist in explanation of dealings. between the Hong Kong Government and Her Majesty's Government. The Secretary of State has agreed to these arrangements being extended to include exploratory talks on policy issues with British Government departments and other authorities provided that such talks take place with the prior knowledge and consent of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The scope of the Director's authority in respect of such policy discussion will be set out in greater detail in his directive. The question of quasi-diplomatic or tax relief privileges for the Administrative Commissioner can be decided at a later stage, probably on a reciprocal basis looking at the immunities and privileges which the British Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong has.
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From the above considerations and the added respon- sibilities of the re-organised office, it is clearly important that the officer appointed to this job should be of suitable seniority if Whitehall is to accept that he interprets and comments authoritatively on the policies and submissions of this Government. It is therefore proposed that the rank of the head of the Office should be equivalent to that of Administrative Officer, Staff Grade A.
Recommendation 4: That the title of the head of the re-organised Office be "Administrative Commissioner for the Government of Hong Kong in London" and that the status of the post be equivalent to Administrative Officer Staff Grade A.
(e) Channel of Control and Communication
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Recommendation 5: In all matters affecting general policy and the operational control and administration of the new London Office, the Administrative Commissioner will be responsible directly to the Colonial Secretary. In other matters the Administrative Com- missioner, or more generally the section heads, will deal directly with the appropriate departments.
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