CODE 18-77
HKA 431/2 Annex
17
Reference..
21 MAR 279
Mr Quantrill minute
ventril
Mr McLaren
8.
DEPENDENT TERRITORIES SENIOR APPOINTMENTS BOARD (DTSAB)
1.
1Pp. 23/3
Some time ago you asked me whether I would acquaint you with the various procedures leading up to the DTSAB. I attach a list giving action and approximate timing. I also attach a copy of the Briefs for the last DTSAB to give you an idea of the type of documents which issue to members of the Board.
2. We have quite a reasonabled Agenda for the Board to consider consisting of:-
(i) Belize:
(a) Extension for existing Governor until
end 1979/early 1980
(b) Selection of new Governor
New Governor
(ii) Falklands:
(iii) Hong Kong:
New Governor
(iv) Montserrat:
New Governor
(v) Caymans:
(vi) St Helena:
3.
Extension of six months for existing Governor
Extension of one year for existing Governor
Under "Any Other Business", the Board will be advised that Sir P Ramsbotham is to stay on in Bermuda for the third year of his term until September 1980.
4. I think that (i)(a) will need to be reported in advance of the main sitting of the Board since Mr McEntee's current term ends on 3 June. It is one thing to report retrospectively to the Board but not I think to the Palace.
5. I feel that with regard to the Governorships of Belize and the Falklands, we ought now to clear with Heads of the geographical departments concerned whether we are looking seriously at only DS candidates or whether suitably qualified HMOCS candidates could also be considered. In other words, has the political content of the job changed to any extent since the existing incumbents took office, or is it likely so to change. Mr Posnett, in his minute of 29 January, suggested this might be so in the case of Belize. If he is right, then a very good candidate might be Mr LM Davis in Hong Kong, but I feel that we should need to write to Hong Kong asking them to sound him out if there is a serious chance of his getting the job.
6. I attach drafts which you may wish to send to the Heads of SAD and M&CD.
8 March 1979
E. Gorgon
E T Gregory (Mrs)
Hong Kong and General Department