TNAG-0915-FCO40-1126-Inspection-of-British-Trade-Commission--Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 57

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2.

3. Paragraph 4 touches on a problem which was discussed in some detail with the Inspectors (see para 17-19 of Section 14 of their report). I believe that we must establish a chain of responsibility for the welfare of Diplomatic Service Officers on secondment who, because they do not get looked after in a way that would be normal at a British Embassy or High Commission, tend to look to the Trade Commission for advice, guidance and support. You will recall that the Inspectors suggested that the Hong Kong Government might be asked to designate an officer to assume primary responsibility for this task. I am glad to be able to report that they have so designated the Government Security Officer. For my part I see no difficulty in providing guidance to the G.S.O. as we are well placed to advise on normal Diplomatic Service Procedures which the seconded officers invariably seek to have applied to them and suggest that para 4 of your draft be amended to read:-

4. You should also give any necessary advice and guidance to other members of the Diplomatic Service seconded to the Hong Kong Government e.g. the Political Adviser and his Assistant and the Communications staff at Government House, on matters affecting the terms of their secondment to the Hong Kong Government. You have, however, no formal responsibility for these officers and any support for them should be co-ordinated with the Government Security Officer of the Hong Kong Government Security Branch."

c.c.

Dr. D.C. Wilson, Political Adviser.

Yourswer

Such

D. M. March

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