(v)
EXTENSION OF THE GOVERNOR'S TERM OF OFFICE
1. Mr Ann may express the hope that the Governor's term of office, which expires next years, will be extended.
There have recently
been a fair number of letters and petition in this sens. The Governor has advised that representation of this sort are a courteous and traditional feature of the last 18 months or so of the term of office of every Governor of the Colony, and are actuated partly by a desire to "give face" and partly by the hope of being accorded some honour beofre the incumbent departs. The petitioners have received only simple acknowledgements and, if Mr Ann does raise this matter, the Minister may wish to do no more than note Mr Ann's interest.
Line to Take
2. No decision on this matter has been taken yet and it would be improper of me to speculate on what advice the Secretary of State might give to HM The Queen in due course. While Her Majesty's Government have every confidence in the present Governor, the normal rule in the Diplomatic Service is that officers retire at the age of 60 and it will be difficult to make any exception.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.