C
CONFIDENTIAL AND PERSONAL
21st February, 1974.
(7)
You will recall our brief correspondence about the post of Director of the Hong Kong Education Department, on which I sent you a telegram on the 14th January. It was very thoughtful of you to ask Miss Deas to stop off briefly in Hong Kong, as I understand it very largely in connection with this matter. As you will by now know, she saw the Governor and later had a chat with me. I was much impressed with the emphasis she gave to the size and importance of the job of Director of Education here, and to the need to avoid repeating the situation whereby ex-teachers comprise the directorate.
2.
Miss Deas took notes of the possible alternative courses in order of preference, but it may be helpful if I repeat the position. I hope that I have not varied significantly from the lines of our discussion.
3.
The following is an extract from my note on our file after the discussion:
From our point of view, the first choice would be an outstanding man from the U.K. who probably is already a director who would lose his appointment on the consolidation of the local education authorities, or a deputy director about to become a director; aged probably 50 to 55, but if still in good for, someone a little older could be considered, appointment of some five years would be desired. A high quality man from the Department of Education and Science might be considered, if one wore available.
An
Second choice would be to appoint a local officer from outside the Education Department (I mentioned our cxtreme shortage of men of the calibre needed), to be
J.E.C. Thornton, Esq., O.B.E..
Chief Education Adviser,
Overseas Development Administration,
Eland House,
Star Place,
Victoria, Su Velc
England.
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