TNAG-0826-FCO40-1034-Length-of-term-of-office-of-Governors-1979 — Page 6

Dugh,

Mr Duff

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WIAD

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STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

LAST

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NPT

13

Reference....HKA 430/5 RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

- 3 AUG 1979

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

PA

TRY

12

LENGTH OF TOURS OF GOVERNORS

No

Mes

exe

Flag A

1.

Flag B

Flag C

Flag D

Mr Guy addressed a despatch dated 30 April to the Secretary of State on the above subject upon which you commented in your minute of 29 May.

2. We decided that it would be best not to deal with Mr Guy's missive on the general subject until the matter of his own particular term of office was dealt with. This has now been done and a telegram signifying The Queen's approval to an exten- sion of his Governorship has now issued.

3.

The question of length of tours for Governors was discussed by the DTSAB which met in December 1973 and it was then that the present three year term of office was introduced (see copies of the relevant minutes). There does not seem any reason to depart from the decision reached then. Some good arguments were pro- duced and I think it as well to concentrate on these when reply- ing to Mr Guy rather than to get drawn into arguments about DS length of tours. As you pointed out in your minute, the posting pattern of DS officers had nothing to do with the reduction in the Governors' term of office.

4. I attach a draft and should be glad of your comments and any suggested amendments.

1 August 1979

& Gregory.

ET Gregory (Mrs)

Hong Kong and General Department K248 233 4784

CODE 18 - 17

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STAFF IN CONFIDENCE