TNAG-0705-FCO40-870-Inspection-of-Dependent-Territories-1978 — Page 7

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INSPECTION OF GILBERTS AND NEW HEBRIDES 1979

1.

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You asked for comments on the Chief Inspector's minute of 29.8.78 to Mr Snodgrass about the above proposed Inspec- tions.

2. As regards the Gilberts, they will by that time (hope- fully) be on the threshold of independence and almost out of our range of responsibility, so I have no comments there.

Since

3. As regards New Hebrides, our principle responsibilities will be Mr Stuart the British Resident Commissioner Designate

(who as a DS 3 following another in the same grade should be without complications) and Mr S H Palmer - the recently appointed DS 7 Assistant to the Resident Commissioner. Mr Palmer's post is a new one it would be helpful if the Insectors could look carefully at his allowances to make sure that they are realistic. He was not given an entertainment allowance, but was told to make out a case to us if he found he needed one when he had been in post for a while. Could the Inspectors give us their advice on whether an entertain- ment allowance is needed and if so how much. Mr Palmer's accommodation should be provided by the post. However, (as will be seen from enc 17-22 of his file attached) the house and furniture which he was offered was so sub-standard that I managed to get ASD to accept the cost of alternative rented accommodation. But this means the New Hebrides Government are shirking their responsibilities and should therefore make some refund to us even if this is not the whole of Mr Palmer's rental. It would be helpful if the Inspectors could comment on whether the present accommodation Mr Palmer is occupying is right for his grade and responsibilities and whether we can claim anything from the New Hebrides.

4. Finally it would be helpful to have the Inspectors' comments on the house occupied by the Resident Commissioner.

•

ASD.

P.T.D.

CC. MA BOWLES

MR BEALE AKPF/PALMER/S.H.

4 September 1978

E. Gregry.

ET Gregory (Mrs)

Hong Kong & General Department

44. Thank you: Sagree. However, at this stage we are hot required to prepare briefing for the inspectors (we shall, Jasonne, be ashed to do that at a later stage and can then make the points- the minute above). All we are asked to do at this stage is approve the drafts attached to do hawence's minte of 24 August. They look all right to me: I anggest therefore that you ring No hawrence's PA and confor our agredhat.

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