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Mr.
(54)
HKA 364/1 REGEND IN SAY NO A 16 NOV 1978
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
inn Taker
A.
Mr JC Edwards
British Development Division in the
Caribbean
BARBADOS
Your reference
Our reference
Date 15 November 1978
HKA 364/1
My dear Jour, Годин
GOVERNMENT HOUSE TENNIS COURT TORTOLA
1. We have spent a full week and more in briefing Jim Davidson for his new post as Governor, RVI. Having no colonial background he will not find this easy and in spite of the care with which we have described and discussed some of the constitutional and developmental issues likely to face him I think it will be quite a while before he is able to get into gear. We must both be patient if we sense the absence of Walter Wallace's canny but sure touch on the tiller. I have told Jim that I thought it more sensible for him to get the feel of his parish before suggesting that he visits DevDiv to meet you and your staff and talk about development issues. If he had come through Barbados on first appointment it would have resulted in merely one further session of ear pounding on unfamiliar business and I think for the time being he is replete.
2. The one thing which is concerning him greatly is his tennis court which it was decided at a recent luncheon given by the West India Committee would be a valuable social asset in the Governor's quiver. I explained to Jim that there were two sources of finance: first of all his own Government but that this would be a difficult request for him to make on arrival, and secondly development aid funds. I have told him that he must make his case to you. If there really is substance in the claim that Virgin Islanders of all colours will relax and talk around the tennis court then I will be very glad to give my official support to this idea.
Yours ever, Patura
PC Duff
West Indian and Atlantic Department
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c. c. HKPF/DAVIDSON /I. PRESTRICTED