CODE 18 - 17
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Mrs Gregory, HKGD
-
LENGTH OF TOURS OF GOVERNORS
Your minute of 1 August
1.
12)
ference HKA 4.30/5 13
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
- 5 AUG 1979
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
REGISTRY
No the o
Thank you for suggesting that I should comment on the draft to Mr Guy which I am sure takes the right line. I think, however, it would go down better if we shortened paragraph (2) somewhat on the following lines:
"2. You have deployed cogent arguments in support of a five- year term and all you say in favour of continuity is readily accepted. Under Colonial Regulations, Governors hold office during Her Majesty's pleasure and in the past the normal time was five years. Most of the remaining dependent territories are small and often isolated. Governors are now supported by few senior expatriate staff so that their responsibilities are Less easily shared. In several dependencies Governors have been faced with protracted periods of political tension, threats to internal security and, in Anguilla for instance, direct attacks on their own life. These sorts of pressures, which seem to be increasing, combined with the inevitable isolation of the quarter deck can put strains on some which are hard to bear. Others like yourself have thrived.'
I am not sure that the inclusion of Hong Kong as an exception
On the con- in paragraph (3), although true, helps your argument. trary it invites people to question why it is an exception.
3
As an aside, I am not impressed with the thinking of the eminent members of the DTSAB in 1973. The first thought is not necessarily
the second true and disregards the need for colonial expertise; thought is certainly true but the minute totally ignores the needs of the dependent territories which even six years ago should have been in the minds of those concerned when appointing Governors.
1 August 1979
Ped
PC Duff
West Indian & Atlantic Department