TNAG-0285-FCO40-321-British-government-representative-in-Hong-Kong-discussion-on-1970 — Page 12

CONFIDENTIAL

Flag A

4KK6/548/3 1968/4) 55

Mr. Laird

Reference.

16

ре

Fl. Spk.

British Government Representative

in Hong Kong

En.

19/10

In his minute of 8 October to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the P.U.S. mentions that the British voice can be heard in Hong Kong through the Folitical Adviser in regard to wider British foreign policy considerations and through the Senior Trade Commissioner in respect of trade and economic policy matters.

2. The Political Adviser is attached to the Hong Kong Government and to all intents and purposes is a member of the Governor's staff but the Senior Trade Commissioner has his own office, independent of the Hong Kong Government. The office of the Senior Trade Commissioner was established in 1965 to take over the work previously carried out by the Board of Trade Office in Hong Kong. No terms of reference were given to the Senior Trade Commissioner at that time

as appears from paragraph 2 of his handing over note in 1969) but his main task is to assist British exporters wishing to do business with Hong Kong. addition, the British Trade Commission now has an Information Section, which opened in 1968, the terms of reference for this being:

3.

In

i) To increase the vigour and effectiveness of Britain's trade and commercial effort

in Hong Kong;

(ii) to secure a better understanding of

British economic policies and achievements;

(iii) discreetly to promote an understanding

of Britain's general, domestic and overseas policies;

་

(iv) to maintain close consultations with

the Hong Kong Government at all times.

In addition the British Trade Commission administers the British Diplomatic Service Mail Office and the British Civil Aviation Representative, Far East and also the language students stationed in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Senior Trade Commissioner is also H.M. Consul (non-resident) in Macao, an appointment which does not involve him in much extra work.

4. The staff of the British Trade Commission, in addition to the Senior Trade Commissioner, consists of two Trade Commissioners, of which one is the Information Officer, both Diplomatic Service, and two Chinese commercial staff together with 12 clerks,

/typists....

CONFIDENTIAL