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1.6 1.7
1.5.4 In many matters the enquirer may be, or may feel himself, entitled to a reply from the FCO (if
not from a Minister). It is a matter of judgment as to the extent to which he should be told that the contents of the reply are based on information received from the OAG. Whether or not the reply sent from the FCO is precisely on the lines recommended by the OAG, a copy of the reply should always be sent to the OAG to ensure consistency in any reply that he himself may make to the same or similar enquiries.
1.6
CAVEATS ON ENQUIRIES
1.6.1
1.6.2
1.6.3
The following are special warnings in relation to enquiries.
Policy Matters, about the internal affairs of a DT or its relations with HMG. If there are approved and recent "stock" communiques, PQ replies etc these may be sent to the enquirer without reference to the OAG, or other authority. Otherwise, the reply must be agreed first with the OAG and any interested authority in the British Government.
Legal Matters. If a request is made for legal advice the enquirer should be told to consult his own solicitor and not a Legal Adviser in the FCO. Members of the public may however consult legislation held in the Library service point in Room 213 Downing Street (East).
the
Press. Journalists must be referred to News Department. In the interests of the Secretary of State, or of the DT, but for no other reason, a desk officer may occasionally deal direct with a member of the press, but he should only do so in the presence and
ink bestament
of an appropriate member of News Department. Personal Interviews with members of Diplomatic service are covered
by existing DS. Regulations.
the
1.7
LABOUR MATTERS
Desk officers should keep the Overscas Labour Adviser and his staff fully informed on all matters in the labour field in DTs, in particular new or proposed legislation, and seek his advice continuously and in good time on such matters.
October 1978
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