TNAG-0997-FCO40-1222-Future-staffing-of-Dependent-Territories-1981 — Page 44

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Generally, he is required to maintain public order and security, assist the administration of justice, support public and private financial and commercial integrity, and advance the economic and social development of the country. Specifically, numerous duties are laid upon him in various fields by the Constitution, and directives from the Secretary of State. In territories where capital punishment is retained, the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy is delegated to him. He needs to have political sense, tact and decisiveness bracketed with a keen interest in constitutional relationships and in all aspects of Government and public administration

Some of the skills and experience required are different from those of a diplomat, but the standard required is equally high. It is as important that high-calibre officers be selected for such office in the Dependent Territories, as for normal mainstream Diplomatic Service work. There is no reason why a Diplomatic Service officer should not include service in a Dependent Territory

as part of a worthwhile mainstream career.

3.

Earlier Proposals

The

4. A number of solutions have been proposed in the past. None has prospered mainly because the problem was not then as immediately pressing as it is today. The most elaborate proposal was for the creation of a Dependent Territories Administrative Branch of the Diplomatic Service, which was to have been an occupational group administered by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to which officers from the Diplomatic Service or the Home Civil Service could be seconded as required for service in Dependent Territories. proposal was announced in the House of Lords in April 1973. Negotiations in Whitehall resulted in agreement only for terms and conditions comparable to those of the Home Civil Service or the Diplomatic Service, but without the career prospects of either. This was insufficient to attract suitable candidates. At the end of 1973, plans for the Branch were abandoned. The refusal of Hong Kong to participate was another major factor.

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