TNAG-0826-FCO40-1034-Length-of-term-of-office-of-Governors-1979 — Page 16

1

pla

even at this stage, the arguments in favour of an

extension for Mr Parker are not strong ones. If as Mr

Parker, avers the Islanders will not like a change, they

probably

will like it even less in eighteen months time than

they will in six.

4. Mr Ure has suggested that there might be advantage

in delaying a decision until after Mr Ridley's visit

to the Islands next month. Administratively this would

be possible, although a reversal of the DTSAB's

recomendation would cause a number of complications.

Hangver

Λ

From this department's viewpoint it would seem more

logical for both the Minister of State and Mr Parker

to know that the latter's appointment will be coming

to an end in December. The Minister of State can then

be briefed to listen sympathetically to any request by

the Islanders for an extension for Mr Parker, but to

respond that a decision has already been made on a

replacement and that an announcement will be made

shortly. Otherwise he can only raise their hopes by

saying that their view will be taken into account before

a final decision is made.

FLAC B

I