TNAG-1112-FCO40-1371-Possible-appointment-of-a-Dependent-Territories-Adviser-1982 — Page 15

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

there was a central point of reference for advice on colonial

This was of particular importance in the run up

procedures.

to independence. Mr Deare said there was no central point,

but that HKGD could deal with general questions while WIAD or

MCD could be consulted on matters specific to particular

Caribbean territories.

Research Department and Nationality

and Treaty Department could also be of assistance in answering

questions concerning Belize's progress to independence. The desk

officer in MCD should be consulted in the first instance.

Item 7: Future Staffing Needs of the Dependencies

32. Mr Morrice introduced this paper which had been approved

by the Chief Clerk. If Governors wished to add their comments

these would be welcomed.

33.

The recommendations at paragraph 19 of the paper were

considered seriatim.

(i)

Sub-para (a) was agreed. Mr Russell, supported by

Mr Strong, observed that the standard diplomatic

service tour of duty of three years was rather

short. The HMOCS tour of 5 years for Governors was

preferable and gave Governors a greater working span.

A longer tour would also decrease manning requirements.

Mr Morrice agreed but noted that it would be

difficult with a 5-year tour to recruit for some

territories. In practice most Governors stay on

for more than three years anyway. Mr Deare

observed that an increase in length of tour would

not affect the manpower gap in terms of man years.

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(ii)

*

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