Reference
We talked through a number of points of detail. Perhaps the
one worth recording is the size and location of the CG's
office. I thought it important that he should be housed in a visibly prominent manner and proposed that his office should not be on a corner at the end of a corridor but opening off the Central lift lobby area. I recognise this will mean he
sits at the cross-roads of traffic but I think it essential
that important visitors especially Chinese perceive his
status. I recommended that Security Department be asked to clear the plans before the consultations in Hong Kong. In the past, Security Department has had a way of unilaterally
counter-mandering decisions taken after extensive
consultations with the post; (this happened several times in
Tunis over a new Chancery).
b) Garden. We agreed that our Coordinating Committee should discuss and recommend ground-rules on access to the garden. In my experience, especially in the Middle East, communal
facilities can create discord. No-one can bind future users
but principles can at least be set out in advance. A balance will have to be struck between the need of resident staff and their families to enjoy the open air, and occasional public use of what should be an elegant (and expensive) area for entertaining eg for QBPs.
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c) Procedures. Our committee's proposal for a staged presentation and study in Hong Kong was accepted, though OED suggested that rather than send plans alone in advance they would try to send an official ahead to explain the
complexities That struck me as sensible. OED will be proposing a date: Mr Morris will probably accompany.
After the Hong Kong visit, final sketch plans will be approved, and Swires will seek HKG approval.
CODE 18-77
new.cg.MOR
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:)