6.
Creating Secretariat, even unpaid, would complicate administration of
Scheme. No thought yet given to role and duties. Would it change way British
Council and British Commissioners would communicate with SEDC and Chinese
Commissioners? If not, what function would it have? Would Secretariat speak
for Commission as a whole? If so, how would this affect relationship between
ODA and British (or other) Commissioners? How long would proposed appointment
of Mr Lee last, and how would post circulate among other parties? What role
would Mr Lee have at Commission meetings in Peking or London (which are currently responsibility of SEDC and ODA/BC)?
7.
(If Minister is asked if ODA will sign minutes of meeting). Our (government) usual practice is to agree text of minutes before anybody signs
them. What stage have these minutes reached?
8.
(SEDC and ODA have agreed to suggest to Foundation that minutes should say Commission decided to discuss issue next year). Neither we nor SEDC
But important that
believe Commission actually decided this at meeting. minutes should record position all parties can agree on. Deferring discussion
for one year would allow proposal to be considered carefully.
9.
(If necessary) Absolutely no reservations about Mr Lee, or about
Foundation's right to make its own appointment for its own representative in
London.
10. (If pressed) Suggest solution might be to allow each party to appoint
third Commissioner. This would require minor amendment to the MOU.