RESTRICTED
FUTURE STAFFING IN THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES: ESSENTIAL FACTS
1. A number of the territories will require administering by
London-based staff throughout the 1980's, and some of them beyond
that period. There are 13 senior administrative posts in
Grades 3 and 4 in the dependent territories. 9 of these are
currently occupied by DS officers, most of whom have HMOCS
experience. There are also 8 other administrative posts at DS5
level, of which only one is filled by a DS officer. However, the
pool of ex-HMOCS officers in the DS is gradually drying up and
there is a need to replace them with diplomats who have not had
previous colonial experience, but who can be prepared for it by
mix of training and experience in subsidiary posts, e.g. Deputy
Governor of Bermuda.
2. There are now only 7 serving HMOCS officers in territories
other than Hong Kong who might be considered for further appoint-
ments. There are also 15 officers in the DS with relevant HMCCS
experience who could be assigned to work in the dependent territories.
Given the demands over the next 10 years, i.e. about 64 postings,
there will be a considerable short-fall, even if all the existing
HMOCS and DS officers with HMCCS experience were to be available
for future postings in the dependent territories.
3. Proposals for training, preparatory work and postings are set
out in the recommendations in paragraph 19 of the paper.
Hong Kong and General Department
12 January 1981
RESTRICTED