HKA 431
431/1
REC
EX
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
-5 FEB 1993
L9 FEL 1993
FROM: N C G Whitney
Hong Kong Department
CISTRY
Action luken
DATE: 5 February 1993
cc: Sir J Coles
Mr Hum o/r
Mr Ricketts
PS/Mr Goodlad
mimiter
As 6/2. Аз
Tel ser
fed
pa
HONG KONG: APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE
Problem
A 1. The Hong Kong Government wish to appoint Mr D F Watson as
Commissioner of Customs and Excise.
Recommendation
2.
I recommend that Mr Goodlad approve the appointment, and that we steer Hong Kong towards localisation sooner rather than
later.
Background and Arqument
3.
The Secretary of State's approval is required under Colonial Regulation 19 for certain appointments within the Hong Kong Government (HKG) and Hong Kong Judiciary. In practice, the Secretary of State's personal approval is sought only for the most senior positions. Other appointments are approved at the AUS/departmental level, or by the Minister if the appointment is likely to be controversial.
Traditionally, the post of Commissioner, Customs and Excise has been held by a non-professional officer who has not worked
4.
ps.minu.ADM
SLM
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
00
8