TNAG-0334-FCO40-370-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 60

CONFIDENTIAL

The views of the Governor on these recommendations are not yet

known, but a good case for supplementation can be based on the

continuing need to strengthen the overseas element in the Hong

Kong Service and to improve its calibre to ensure the good

management of the Colony. There are serious political objections

in Hong Kong to the use of Hong Kong funds to pay expatriate

officers more than local officers.

FORWARD STAFF PLANNING

12. The FCO are preparing estimates of future needs for expatriate

administrative staff in all dependent territories. Whilst Hong

Kong's difficulties in making such an assessment are understood, an

estimate of their future needs of overseas administrative officers

is now urgently required if the FCO is to be in a position to help

with planned recruitment and training in the UK. It is hoped to

have discussions with a senior officer from Hong Kong (the Establish-

ment Secretary) on these staffing problems in London in March next.

13. A note on the Civil Service strength and the Salaries Commission's

recommendations is attached as an appendix.

6

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 60Page 61