TNAG-0694-FCO40-844-Inspection-of-Hong-Kong-Department-1977 — Page 88

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Unwin, PPD

FUTURE OF GIBRALTAR AND GENERAL DEPARTMENT

1. In view of the decision in DOPC yesterday to defer discussion on the Gibraltar Dockyard until the autumn, I think we should now seriously consider the early dispersal of the three sections of this Department as proposed in your submission of 20 January. administrative aspects of dispersal have already been agreed and the accommodation aspects have largely been worked out. The only possible political snag would be the announcement about nationality and citizenship but that, unlike the Dockyard, is not by any means a matter confined to Gibraltar.

I think we should aim for the end of this month, thus beginning the new arrangements on Monday 28 March. ODM will of course have to be consulted about the suitability of the proposed timing.

2.

3. Perhaps you would consider reactivating your earlier submission.

4 March 1977

Copy to:

PS/Mr Judd PS/PUS

Chief Clerk

Mr Stanley

Mr Sutherland

Mr Stewart, HKD

Mr Winchester, SED

ful hous

E G Lewis

Gibraltar and General Department

Am

24/7.

Wr you/wLewis knows that I shall be

away on 28/3. IF (quin mirabile)

the transfer should take place on 28th,

you

ски сере

Jules

*

CONFIDENTIAL