CODE 18-77
Ref: A/1
Reference
3 February, 1993
Mr. Anthony F. Smith
Counsellor (Management)
Room 201
British Embassy
The New Office Head for the Hong Kong Office
As I mentioned to you last Friday, Mr. Barrie Wiggham will be posted to head the Hong Kong Office some time in October this year.
Mr. Wiggham holds the rank of Secretary in the Hong Kong Civil Service, which is two ranks above Mr. Peter Lo's current level. According to the latest plan Mr. Wiggham's post will be added onto the existing establishment of the Hong Kong Office, overseeing the operation of the entire office.
The addition of Mr. Wiggham to the Hong Kong Office is intended to cater for the new political landscape in Washington, D.C., the envisaged complications associated with the lobbying for MFN for China under the new Administration, the need to further promote the image of Hong Kong in the run-up to 1997 by way of making more representational appearance throughout the USA attending high-level seminars and giving speeches at prestiged fora. As the head of the Hong Kong Office in Washington, Mr. Wiggham will have the responsibilities to supervise the operation of the Hong Kong offices in New York and San Francisco as well.
Since the current head of the Hong Kong Office (Mr. Lo) already carries the title of Minister in the British Embassy, we are of the view that Mr. Wiggham, upon posting to this Office, should also carry the Minister rank. You indicated that you need to consult HMA and eventually the FCO on this title. In this connection I assume that the titles for the other posts in the Hong Kong Office may remain unchanged upon the said reorganisation.
I should be grateful if you would give consideration to the foregoing and let me know the decision as soon as possible.
If you need further details, please feel free to let me know.
Tehem
P. C. Leung
(Counsellor, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs)