TNAG-0826-FCO40-1034-Length-of-term-of-office-of-Governors-1979 — Page 4

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Reference........HKA 430/5

14

Mr McLar

PicLaren

in

LENGTH OF TOURS OF GOVERNORS

it conlids

Letter to AGymn 3 Cette

Cofs

[staffing section please Cots

to N Duff. I 82278

1. Please see Mr Guy's despatch of 30 April suggesting that Governors should again serve for tours of five years as hitherto rather than the present three year period. Messrs Duff, Hall and Quantrill all commented on the despatch at the time of its receipt but it was thought right to delay a reply until the question of Mr Guy's own extension was settled.

2.

You will see that the present three year tour was introduced as a result of a decision taken at the DTSAB meeting in December 1973 (minutes attached). I feel sure that circumstances in Dependent Territories today do not warrant a return to the five year tour.

In fact, I would think certain conditions prevailing now (e.g. political tension, personal security risks etc.) make the three year term more desirable than ever. I have accordingly drafted on the basis of retaining the status quo and have assumed that the subject does not warrant a formal reply.

In his minute of 1 August, Mr Duff has commented and suggested certain amendments to the draft.

HKA 430/5

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

2 0 AUG 1979

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

POGSTRY

Action'

No May Pl

3 August 1979

تجھے

Gregenz

E T Gregory (Mrs)

LAB!

RI

D23 WD 13 WE

15

Hong Kong and General Department

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3.

CODE 18 - 77