TNAG-0211-FCO40-247-Reorganisation-of-Hong-Kong-Government-Office-in-London-1969 — Page 45

HKK 25/1

Hong Kong Department,

(2

27 January, 1969

De

I must apologise for having taken so long to write to you about the reorganisation of the Hong Kong Government Office in London. You reminded us of this matter just before your return to Hong Kong and I promised to let you know the position. I last wrote to you on this subject in my letter HWB 3/20 of 4 October, 1968.

So far as the title of the head of the reorganised Office is concerned, you will recall that it was agreed at your discussions here at the end of October that the proposed title of "Administra- tive Commissioner for the Government of Hong Kong in London" would be suitable, and that this suggestion should be provisionally accepted whilst you ascertained reactions to it in Hong Kong. will no doubt let us know in due course whether there is any local objection to it.

You

As regards the functions of the post, you explained that what you desired was an extension of the existing arrangements whereby the present Director has been in direct contact with UK Departments and authorities over matters of detail and/or explanation in dealings between the Hong Kong Government and HMG. You may take it that we would see no objection to these arrangements being extended to include exploratory talks on policy issues, provided that these took place with our knowledge and agreement,

I think that it was generally agreed at our discussions that the question of immunities for the head of the reorganised Orfice did not arise. So far as privileges are concerned, you explained that you were seeking no more than reciprocity as between the Administrative Commissioner in London and the United Kingdom Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong, Our subsequent researches into this aspect have failed to reveal that the latter receives any privileges other than that of exemption from income tax, on which reciprocity has already been achieved. However, I must confess that we have as yet been unable to establish beyond doubt that the UK Trade Commissioner, Hong Kong, is not in receipt of any other privileges and if, in fact, he is accorded any privileges by the Hong Kong Government, we should be most grateful if you would let us know what they amount to. You did say that you would not rule out the possibility of a wider exchange of privileges between the two posts than exists at present, if that were considered desirable. The position on this remains

His Excellency

Sir David Tranch, GCMG., MC.,

Government House,

HONG KONG.

as atated

ви

bu 22.41.69

21 Pres

77/69.

3

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