CODE 18-77
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference
DA
23
Mr Seear NPDD
HKA 062/2
ROYAL COLLEGE OF DEFENCE STUDIES (RCDS) 1993
1.
W22
Thank you for your minute of 7 Máy, the original copy of which went astray. Hence the slight delay in replying.
2.
The
We are very concerned to learn that Hong Kong features amongst the list of suggested cuts, albeit as a reserve. Hong Kong Government have in mind a particularly worthy candidate this year in Richard Hoare, who has done an excellent job as Private Secretary to two Governors (it will be three by the time the course begins). It would be extremely disappointing (not to say embarrassing) not to be able to confirm a place for him this year.
3.
The Hong Kong Government attach considerable importance to the RCDS course. They are most grateful to have been offered a place every year since 1988. The outstanding members of the Administrative Service and Police who have attached have found the course extremely useful in preparing them for higher responsibilities.
4. If all nine places in the suggested list were to be cut, it seems comparatively harsh on the Far East, which would lose half of the regional places allocated as well as the floating place originally reserved for Japan.
5. I very much hope that the threat to cut Hong Kong's place on the 1993 RCDS course does not materialise. I would observe that Hong Kong pays for its place: this could be a deciding factor if cuts, beyond those in the contingency plan, are necessary.
Kivhebettz
P F Ricketts
Hong Kong Department
WH 302
15 May 1992
270 2650
CC: Mr Davies, FED
SISADH
Spoke to
Mr bish, NPDD (3152).
NPAD
Drastic cuts be were possibly expecting did not take place. An invitation
be on its
should
way
to HK. We should receive
of letter to HK
a copy, any
Bur
time now
2/7/92
(Ironically, Mr Bish's
CONFIDENTIAL minute covering copy
of letter to HK arrived 2 hrs later. En 2/7)