TNAG-0707-FCO40-873-Dependent-Territories-Senior-Appointments-Board--1978-1978 — Page 235

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I have given some thought to the recommendation in the papers attached to your recent minute (dated "January 1978") that Mr CH Godden should be appointed as HM Commissioner, Anguilla. I knew Mr Godden quite well some years ago, but have since lost touch with him. At that time I would not have expected him to develop to the extent implied by his recommendation for this post. I would then have regarded him as a solid and competent officer, at the Grade 7E level where he then was, but not one of great imagination or flexibility. However, it is clear from the recent reports summarised in the papers that he has developed considerably since those days. On the basis of what is now said I would expect him to be able to hold down this post with success, unless and until another crisis blew up of the kind which there has been in the past. If that were to happen, I would forecast that Mr Godden might show somewhat less than the desirable degree of finesse and sureness of touch, and might require a fair bit of guidance from London (I note that his present High Commissioner considers that he "likes guidance").

2. However, it seems unlikely that we shall be able to find the perfect choice for this post, which can on occasion be an exception- ally difficult one; and that we should accept that Mr Godden will be up to the job on the basis I suggest above. No doubt in a crisis he would in any case automatically receive full guidance from London. I am therefore content to go along with the recommendation.

3. I have not copied this to other members of the Board; I assume that you will do so as necessary.

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D J Kirkness 16 January 1978

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CONFIDENTIAL - STAFF IN CONFIDENCE