TNAG-0923-FCO40-1141-Secondments-from-Diplomatic-Service-and-Home-Civil-Service-t-1980 — Page 92

CODE 18-77

LAST

2

R*

Mr. Clift

MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE

Inscussed 19.3

Reference. HKA 43 1/393 HKA431/393

1/393/63

+

1 0 APR 1980

I wd like to discurs all this some time

and

Pr. Beriyand

with

у

on Mr. Merscie

STAFF EXCHANGES

HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE:

M

пер

1. I have a couple of points on paragraphs 9 to 13 of your minute of 12 March.

2. We should perhaps consider casting the net more widely in Hong Kong's favour by exploring the possibility of secondments to, or exchanges with, the Commission. I mentioned this to ECD (I) and, informally, to ČSD. Neither see any objections in principle or on policy grounds, although they feel that the opportunities will be limited. There are two possibilities:

(a) a straightforward secondment of about two years for

an administrator of Grade 7A/5 level;

and

(b) an exchange with a Commission official at about the

same grade and for the same period.

As I understand it, (a) would be designed specifically to give a Hong Kong civil servant wider experience and (b) would be a more sophisticated arrangement in which the Hong Kong officer would be expected to provide specific expertise to the Commission.

3. ECD(I) and the CSD would be happy for us to raise the matter with UKREP Brussels who in turn would explore the possibilities with the Commission. However, before we do this, we should, presumably, seek Hong Kong's reactions. ECD(I) think our chances would be better if the Hong Kong candidate was to be a UK citizen rather than a Hong Kong belonger.

-

4. Perhaps of less interest to Hong Kong but, nonetheless, worth considering, is the possibility of the new Zimbabwe throwing up a pool of administrative and judicial expertise which Hong Kong and, indeed, other Dependent Territories - might wish to draw on. I understand from Rhodesia Department that our policy is to encourage white officials to stay on as long as the situation in Rhodesia does not deteriorate to an unacceptable degree. However, some Rhodesian officials, both from the administrative and legal branches, may decide to pack up and seek employment elsewhere. Depending on their background and, in particular, their perform- ance under the illegal regime, they may be of interest to Hong Kong. Rhodesia Department will bear our interest in mind.

13 March 1980

cc:

Mr Beamish, POD

Mr Broadley, PPD

F. Marce

HongriЯg and General Department

Mr de Fonblanque, Rhodesia Dept.

Mr Arthur, ECD(I)

MANAGEMENT IN CONFIDENCE

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