TNAG-0924-FCO40-1142-Secondments-from-Diplomatic-Service-and-Home-Civil-Service-t-1980 — Page 19

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE

-2-

Separate

minite sent

4

letter gim

to M. Amand.

4. I said that we would consider all these points and would come back to them. I suggested that there would be advantage in planning ahead on overseas posts and in some cases putting DS officers into jobs in Hong Kong before taking up posts overseas. This would enable them to become identified with Hong Kong and to learn about its up-to-date requirements.

Conclusions

5. We need to consider very carefully how we might best help Hong Kong and ourselves. We have a fair point in asking for jobs for our people in that Hong Kong posts are in British diplomatic missions. But Hong Kong pay for these posts and they require the officers to be credible representatives of the Hong Kong point of view. In practice we are not likely to get people into Geneva and should concentrate on Washington, Brussels and any openings in the Trade Department in Hong Kong.

6. Hong Kong are likely to require a limited extra number of people for overseas work. If the DS are to contribute we must put people up with the right experience. They should not be trade promoters but should have worked on multilateral negotiations and, where possible, have dealt with Community affairs and/or GATT. They must be of real quality.

7. From Hong Kong's point of view short-term postings from the DS are not very attractive. Officers in this category cannot easily be identified to the outsider with Hong Kong's interests. In some cases, people who are going to work in Hong Kong posts overseas should do a spell in the department in Hong Kong first.

8. I realise there are difficulties in posting people away from the DS in mid-career for long periods. I therefore suggest that in most cases we should concentrate on sending people on permanent transfer to the Hong Kong Service. This would normally mean a move on premature retirement. Given that the main requirement will be in Grades 7, 5 and 4, is this practicable from POD's point of view?

9.

Washington is a special case. Here a DS posting in mid-career may be possible. But it is very important that the incumbent should be of high quality. The demands of the post have increased in the past few years. I would be grateful to know what your plans are for Mr Crowson. If he is to be replaced, it would be a good idea to offer somebody who could work in the department in Hong Kong for a period before going to Washington.

10. I would be grateful to discuss this with you when you have considered these points. I would then write again to Hong Kong.

8 December 1980

Drip

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

STAFF IN CONFIDENCE