SECRET
with the completion of the new building, and the move of
UKRep JLG into it, there should be some scope for
consolidation between the two missions and their political
work. The burden of political reporting on Hong Kong should
transfer at that stage to the BTC. UKRep JLG are likely to be very busy in the period immediately before and after 1997, and will in any case cease to exist in the year 2000.
Coordination between these two missions will become more
important in the years up to 1997.
apart from UKREP JLG, the only other possible source of DS
manpower already in Hong Kong to staff the future Chancery
would be the DS4 Political Adviser and his DS5 Deputy. But as 1997 approaches, the Political Adviser's staff will
increasingly be preoccupied with assisting the Governor with
the final stage of British rule, (and are expected to move to
Government House). They will therefore be seen in Chinese
eyes as agents of the departing colonial authority. Better
(symbolically) that they should leave Hong Kong with the
Governor, and the BCG should draw its future chancery staff
from other sources.
we shall also need to consider whether there should be a
communications centre in the Consulate General immediately on
occupation, running in parallel with the one in Government
House until the departure of the Governor. This will have
resource implications as it would mean setting up a
communication centre in the BCG earlier than originally
planned.
Hong Kong Department
4 November 1992
brief.consgen.BTC
JEB
SECRET
Page 150Page 151