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the British Overseas Trade Board had expressed keen interest in reinforcing the Trade Commission as soon as possible. Additional staff posts could probably be accommodated in the extra space which BTC have already taken on.

Information

10.

The Information Section is already up to its planned strength for the BCG, with one full time DS6 (25% Commercial), one full time DS7D (50% Commercial), one LEII and one LEIII staff member. There is also some input from the Head of Post (5%).

FCO Procurement Unit

11. The FCO Procurement Unit is already up to its planned post-1997 strength with two UK based and 16 LE staff, currently housed in rented accommodation. there until the new building is ready.

Management

12.

They can remain

The current management staff at the BTC comprise one DS6, one SO2, one LEII, one LEIII, two LEIVs and one LEV. The ADEST for the BCG envisages one DS5, one DS9, two LEIIS, four LEIIIS, 1.5 LEIVS and five LEVS. SBTC would like to reinforce the Management Section with a further LEII as soon as possible. As with commercial section, locally engaged staff reinforcement could take place broadly as necessary. The additional DS9 will probably be required to cope with the expanded work load brought by the new building. However, substitution of the present DS6 with a DS5 Management Officer will probably be needed before the completion of the building. The present incumbent is due to leave in August 1994. Upgrading the post at that time would enable this incumbent to deal with the bulge of work generated by the completion of, and move into, the new building; and to see through the transition in 1997.

Legal Work

13. The Hong Kong Consultative Committee have suggested that delicate legal work during the transitional period could justify posting one legal officer to the future

Consulate-General. The JLG would not by then have access to legal advice from HKG. (Hong Kong Department is looking at this suggestion with Legal Advisers).

Political Section

14.

Certain aspects of political work in Hong Kong are covered in a sensitive annex. In 1997, the British

Consul-General will take over responsibility for promoting the

brief.consgen.BTC

JEB

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