TNAG-0592-FCO40-725-Inspection-of-Hong-Kong-and-Indian-Ocean-Department-1976 — Page 45

CODE 18.77

Mr Ash, Registrars' Branch

Mr Woodrow, PPD

Mr Creek, POD

Mr Holding, WAD

seperate copies

12

EAST AFRICAN DEPARTMENT:

1.

INTEGRATED REGISTRY

Following the discussion with Mr Ash some weeks ago, we have been giving thought within the department to the possibility of moving to the integrated Registry system. We are generally disposed in principle to make the change, but there are two important points on staffing on which we wish to be clear before we can come to any decision. These points are dealt with below.

Number of Grade 10 Section Clerks

2.

EAD takes over responsibility for relations with Seychelles when that territory becomes independent on 29 June this year and it is now likely that we will also take over the British Indian Ocean Territory from that date as well. It has been agreed that we will have an additional Grade 6 (Mr Major from HKIOD) for tis desk added to our strength. The indications are that for some time after Seychelles becomes independent at least, there will be a considerable work load on that country, despite its small size. With the addition of the extra Desk Officer, we are quite clear that we could not introduce the integrated system unless we can be sure of having three Grade 10 Section Clerks as we have at present. We should, therefore, be grateful for confirmation that we can count on this.

Grade 9 Archivist

3.

We share this post with West African Department. The Grade 9 Archivist, Mr Stephenson, is not only in charge of our Registry, but (a) is the key holder for the considerable volume of Secret and Code Word material which comes into FAD, (b) helps Desk Officers with research and takes on some papers and drafting, and, just as important, (c) steps in to help Desk Officers at times of crisis (to which RAD's countries are somewhat prone).

44.

Before coming to any decision on integration, we would wish to be assured that we can retain our half of the Grade 9 post to cover the above work. Indeed with an integrated system, it would be our intention that the Grade 9 should assist, whenever time permits, Desk Officers even more linn hitherto. Assuming, for example, that he is accommodated with the Seychelles (and BIOT) Desk Officer, it may well work out that he may be able to take a certain amount of Seychelles (BIOT) work, although it would not be our intention to restrict him to this. I understand that there is a precedent for the retention of the Grade 9 Archivist under integration in CSAD who have kept the whole of theirs.

/ 5.

+

Page 45Page 46