TNAG-0592-FCO40-725-Inspection-of-Hong-Kong-and-Indian-Ocean-Department-1976 — Page 55

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Chief Clerk

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GIBRALTAR AND GENERAL DEPARTMENT

I have read Mr Morgan's minute of 18 March and have subsequently discussed with Mr Stanley his proposals about the future of Gibraltar and General Department.

2. I agree that, subject to consultation with the Governor and to Ministerial approval, it would be logical for all Gibraltar work to be concentrated in SED, as Mr Morgan proposes. I think that is the right solution in this particular case.

3. I do not, however, agree with Mr Cortazzi in thinking that the remaining Dependent Territories should pass to the appropriate geographical departments, at any rate at this stage. I know he is thinking chiefly of the Pacific Dependent Territories, but I am quite sure in my own mind that the Pacific Dependent Territories Department is in fact one of the busiest in the Office and will be for the next two or three years. But the possibility of absorbing the work of the Dependent Territories in that of the appropriate geographical department should, of course, be kept in mind as a longer term objective.

4. There is some disagreement between us all about finding a home for the two sections of Gibraltar and General Department which will remain if and when the work of Gibraltar goes to SED. I have my own views on this and I think the best thing to do is to accept the proposal of Mr Morgan, ie that we should discuss this further after the impending inspection of HKIOD. There is much in Mr Cortazzi's view that if, as a result of the Secretary of State's proposed visit to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Department is to play a much more active role than at present, the additional "general" work of Gibraltar and General Department might be too much of a load.

25 March 1976

Cc:

Mr Cortazzi

Mr Male

Mr Stanley

Mr Morgan Mr O'Keeffe

Assar

E N Larmour

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