TNAG-0845-FCO40-1055-Visits-of-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 111

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MR FARRINGTON'S PROPOSED TRIP TO JAPAN, HONG KONG & NEW DELHI

1.

2.

Thank you for your minute of 11 September.

I have consulted SAD, FED and HKGD and all see objection to Mr Farrington's undertaking his proposed visit for this purpose at that time. (Mr White has pointed out that the time spent in New Delhi is perhaps longer on account of a public holiday.) I have sent telegrams to the three posts overseas advising on the visit and asking if they see any objection. I believe that Tokyo already knows of the proposal as it was instrumental in arranging for the British Trade Fair and the supporting exhibition for which Mr Farrington is curator and adviser.

3.

Mr Farrington has undertaken the commitment to Mitsukoshi in his own time as you previously agreed. However I consider that this visit was not entirely suitable for consideration as unpaid leave. Mr Farrington might be considered to be on official duty since he is taking part in an enterprise fostered by the post in Tokyo as part of a British Trade Fair. In addition, although I did not mention it in my original minute, Mr Farrington will take the opportunity of consulting his joint editor in the project to publish the records of the East India Company relating to the Factories in Japan which is underwritten by the Japan Academy.

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4. However after consideration PSD advised that the visit would best be approved under the category of "Special paid leave" which includes a sub-head "Study and sabbatical leave ". This sub-head covers in its definitions members of staff undertaking a ". useful ambassadorial function ... Members of the IOLR staff often carry out such a function for brief periods when they are overseas. While I believe that "Special leave" is usually agreed for personal and domestic reasons, this rubric seemed to apply particularly suitably in this case. In addition the period of time involved was not long and there was no actual cost beyond the payment of normal salary.

5.

I would be grateful if you could consider these points and let me know if you think they in any way alter your

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