Reference NICK 3/508/
K2 2 1. PA/mm. Visits
of Ull Officials
d.
18.1.
to HK.
Mr Sharp
Finance Department
UNCLASSIFIED
ADVANCE OF SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE IN HONG KONG
1.
As you know, members of HM Diplomatic Service visiting Hong Kong on official business can draw an advance of subsistence allowance from the Adminis- tration Officer in the British Trade Commission.
2.
I had understood that this arrangement did not apply to other UK civil servants visiting Hong Kong, and that they had to make their own arrangements, eg. by getting an advance of subsistence before leaving Britain, and taking travellers cheques. I have now heard it suggested that, if necessary, they too can draw from the Trade Commission, and that, on receipt of the post account, you would then charge the amount to their parent Department. Is this correct? If so, presumably a letter of authority would need to be sent to the Trade Commission in each case; should this come from the parent Department or from us? And would the same rules apply to members of the ODA, which is now part of the FCO?
3.
I should be grateful for your advice.
14 January 1974
R.b. hom
RB Crowson
Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department
Mr Crowson
струбов
1.
To the best of my knowledge, there has been no relaxation of the restrictions on the issue of advances to short term visitors from Other Government Departments which are set out in DSP 19, Appendix, Section 2.28 and Estacode Uz 43 -45 (copies attached).
2.
Only in cases of exceptional emergency or difficulty would we authorise the British Trade
/Commission
UNCLASSIFIED
DD 145177 219242 500M 4,73 GM 3643-2