TNAG-0988-FCO40-1207-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 69

11

114F

1KF LE.

3487 Param

10. JURIDINGE

ente & rein moz

intą fue

Reference...

Somera 1414.

is Marshall see im from 1574

يتنس

no problem for us?

1

ܬܵܐ

Mr Payne M&CD K364

PLUS

·

+

11 APR 1980

GRADIN

ハル

Ө

We, you pse let Ihr Wether

My 11.1V know of we

высш

QUV 348/4301

L

RECOVED IN REGSIKY MU. 25

14 APR 1980

DESK QAKKER

EX

home

POSTLY

Non Tekan

any

Comment?

of 1/4

PANAMA : GRADING OF POST

1. In their report of July 1979 the Inspectors noted that they had discussed with the Ambassador the possibility of the Embassy being converted to a "small mission" with 2 UK based staff and about 4 locally engaged staff (as compared with the present establishment of 5 UK based and 13 LEs). The Ambassador did not rule out the possibility but thought that the change would not be possible in the shorter term because of the strategic importance of the Canal; the volume of commercial work and the potential for increased trade and political changes then taking place in Panama and their possible effects on British interests. then that Panama could be converted to a "small mission" for 20

In fact, he did not think years. The Inspectors disagreed and felt that by the end of 1980 it should be reasonably clear whether the new arrangements on the Canal Zone were going to work and whether the potential for an increase in British trade would be realised. subsequently wrote to Mr Sanders and said that we proposed to take

The Chief Inspector another look at the future of the mission at the end of 1980. December 1979 when Mr Eastwood of POD visited the post Mr Sanders By told him that he saw no local reason to delay until 1980 the decision whether Panama City should become a "small mission".

2. If there is general agreement that Panama can become a "small mission the change could best take place at the next change of Ambassadors which could be as early as the latter part of this year. It is essential that a new Ambassador does not have the post reduced to a "small mission" after he has arrived but that he take charge of such a mission from the outset. I attach a draft submission which sets out the considerations as seen by PPD. for your comments.

I should be grateful

If there is general agreement to it we can work out the details of implimentation subsequently. :

10 April 1980

D C Walker PPD 233 3233

Cc:

Mr Harding K236

Mr Duncan Consular Dept Mr Shepherd M&VD

Mr Jones N&TD

RF Burges watson

Mr Winchester Securiza

TRED