CONFIDENTIAL
2
formal request for constitutional change to give them greater internal powers will only be agreed to by us if there is a concomitant undertaking by them to go independent soor after. This is not what they want to do, hence the plan, which I suspect in BVI they are seriously beginning to deploy. to erode our powers by stealth; the localisation of top posts is indeed a very stealthy way of isolating a Governor and at the same time removing from him the very tools by which he can continue to control finances and exercise effectively his special responsibilities.
I am not advocating a policy that all top ponts should be Tilled by UK-expatriate officers; clearly this cumot be done in the cases where loculisulion has already taken place or there is a local officer of sufficient merit and one whom we trust sufficiently to appoint. I am suggesting, if you accept us reasonable my fears above, that we and HKGD re-examine the Manson doctrine as a matter of general application and for immediate consideration of its application in respect of the AC's and C of P's post in BVI.
6. If, as a result of reviewing it, we conclude the Manson doctrine should continue either in its present or amended form, we would then nodd to advise Governors and tell them of our determination to retain it. Let us not be shy about saying this; as the administering power we have responsibility and an obligation to ensure the efficient running of our DTs and we have a right to protect this interest by filling senior posts with staff of our choosing, if it is necessary to do so.
7. The point of a Governor, having top U staff as confidants should not be overlooked either, especially in lonely and isolated territories.
8.
Perhaps we could discuss informally at this stage.
DK H Dale
28 April 1978
West Indian and Atlantic Department
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