CONFIDENTIAL
F.C.O. dealing with Dependent Territories.
I see no reason why this should mean that he becomes a specialist of such a kind that he can no longer serve usefully in other Diplomatic Service posts. Equally, as the Governor points out, by sending junior officers to fill relatively humble appointments in Hong Kong we may well be preparing a man who at a later stage can take on
Colony's senior appointments such as Colonial Secretary or even Governor.
4.
As Mr. Carter points out the Secretary of State is responsible for dependent territories. It is not right therefore that we should take the attitude in considering the question of exchanges of staff with Hong Kong (or other territories) that if there is not much advantage to be gained by the Diplomatic Service we need not make too much effort to help Hong Kong.
5.
To revert to the draft, as I say it is acceptable to me with the amendments which have been made save only that to which I have referred in paragraph 5 of the draft. It is not clear from the minutes whether Mr. Leahy has yet seen these papers although Mr. Carter's minute of 23 January was, in fact, addressed also to him.
KM hi
(K. M. Wilford)
17 March 1970
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