SECRET
Daves 4-11
b
MKK25/
HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON
9. So far as the functions of the head of the re-organised office were concerned, the Governor made it clear that these would not include any
representational" functions in the formal meaning of that word. He desired an extension of the existing arrangements whereby the Director of the Office was in direct contact with United Kingdom Departments and various authorities over matters of detail and/or explanation in dealings between the Hong Kong Government and Her Majesty's Government. He did not, however, wish the arrangements to be so strictly defined as altogether to preclude exploratory talks on policy issues. These might be allowed in suitable cases, with the knowledge of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and without commitment. The department would take a further look at this.
Ghadis
11.
10. So far as the title of the post was concerned, it was suggested that the title of "Administrative Commissioner for the Government of Hong Kong in London" would be suitable.
It was agreed that this suggestion should be provisionally accepted whilst the Governor ascertained reaction to it in Hong Kong.
It was also agreed that whoever was appointed to the post would need to be an official of the Hong Kong Government.
12
вала Extracent
1 HKK1/2
Para
134 15
extracted
b
HKK14/2
The Governor did not consider that any question of immunities for the post arose. So far as privileges were concerned, all that he was seeking was reciprocity as between the Administrative Commissioner in London and the United Kingdom Trade Commissi oner in Hong Kong; he would not exclude a wider exchange of privileges than exists at present if that were desirable. was thought that the United Kingdom Trade Commission in Hong Kong did not enjoy any special privileges but the position was somewhat obscure and would require further investigation. case of the United Kingdom Trade Commissioner in the Bahamas might provide a useful precedent. It was agreed that the matter would be further pursued in the department.
SECRETARY FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS: CHANGE OF TITLE
It
The
12.
The Governor explained that it was the Chinese unofficial members of his Executive Council who disliked the present title and had put forward the suggestion of changing the title to that of "Home Secretary". A number of other possibilities had been considered and discarded. It was thought that the proposal to change the title to "Home Secretary" would almost certainly run into difficulties in this country. As an alternative, the title of "Secretary for Home Affairs" was suggested. The Governor did
not think that the matter was of much significance so far as public opinion in Hong Kong was concerned; the important consideration was the Chinese title which would not be affected by this change. It was agreed that the Acting Governor should be asked to ascertain the reactions of Executive Council to it.
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE: SUCCESSION
13. The Governor explained that there was no suitable alternative within Hong Kong to Mr. Sutcliffe as a successor to Mr. Eates when the latter retired next April from the post of Commissi oner of Police, Mr. Sutcliffe was somewhat rigid in his approach to matters but he was greatly respected by the Force. He was an ideal operational commander and as such would be a very good man to have in the post in the event of a recrudescence of violence in the Colony. There were some excellent men coming on in the middle ranks of the Force but there might be rather a hiatus
SECRET
/immediately ...
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.