J A Miller Esq Private Secretary Government House HONG KONG
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL
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HKk0261.
233-4439
Мо
3 November 1980
86
1.
Thank you for your letter of 7 October concerning FCO briefs. Unfortunately there is to manual on how they are to be prepared. There is, however, a circular from Lord Carrington's Private Secretary and I attach a copy, which I hope you will find useful. It is, of course, the economy and preciseness of language which make the briefs stand out.
2. These briefs are, by the way, drafted by desk officers here, i.e. Assistant Secretaries, and I see no reason why they should not be so drafted in llong Kong.
3.
It is also worth mentioning the reason for having the briefs in separate parts. The idea is that the Essential Facts are read at comparative leisure and then, just before the meeting, the user can quickly refresh his memory by looking at the Points to lake.
4. Finally, I would add that Peter Webb, now working in the Political Adviser's Office, has been working this system recently. In fact, he drafted much of the ones for Lord Carrington's visit and I am sure he would be pleased to help if you are going to use the system.
P J Williamson
Hong Kong and General Department
COVERING CONFIDENTIAL